German railway news
News about railway, metro and tram infrastructure, operations, policy, projects and the supply industry in Germany, from Railway Gazette International.
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In depthComment: Security concerns reflect rail’s reliance on its people
Deutsche Bahn has unveiled fresh measures to protect staff following a fatal assault in February. Our Executive Editor Nick Kingsley argues that this incident has shone a light on an under-recognised aspect of railway safety, while highlighting the importance of railway people amid a growing clamour for automation.
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NewsEuropean Sleeper overcomes the ‘crazy challenge’ to relaunch Paris - Berlin night train
EUROPE: A Paris to Berlin night train service was launched by European Sleeper on March 26, reviving a connection that had ended in December. Jérémie Anne reports from Paris Nord.
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NewsLeo Express wins Praha – Plzeň – München train operating contract
EUROPE: The Czech Ministry of Transport has selected Leo Express for a contract to operate the Czech leg of passenger service Ex36 between Praha, Plzeň, Regensburg and München for five years from December 13 2026.
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NewsGoVolta launches to make international rail travel ‘affordable, comfortable and accessible to everyone’
EUROPE: GoVolta has launched low-cost passenger services from Amsterdam to Berlin and Hamburg as the first steps in its ambitious plan to make international rail travel more accessible as an alternative to short and medium-haul flights and car journeys.
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NewsFirst phase of München Westtangente tram route inaugurated
GERMANY: The first section of München’s western orbital tram corridor is inaugurated, closing a gap in a network that had been focused on radial routes to and from the city centre.
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NewsLeo Express unveils Talgo trainset ahead of service expansion
EUROPE: Leo Express unveiled the design of the three 13-car Talgo VI tilting push-pull trainsets on February 11. It is leasing the Talgo vehicles from RENFE, which is LE’s 50% stakeholder.
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NewsSafety action plan follows death of German railway employee
GERMANY: Body cameras for employees, increased training in de-escalation techniques and higher numbers of security staff are among changes agreed as part of an Action Plan for Greater Safety in Rail Transport.
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News’Mobility on a global scale’ theme for InnoTrans 2026
INNOTRANS: ‘Mobility on a global scale — shaping projects and growth opportunities’ will be the title for the opening ceremony of the InnoTrans 2026 trade fair, where key themes will include AI, autonomous public transport, digitalisation, cybersecurity and night trains.
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In depthGermany: Stuttgart 21 delayed again
After DB cancelled plans for a partial opening later this year and commissioned a further review of the chequered project, the Stuttgart 21 remodelling programme may not deliver its intended benefits until at least 2032. Tony Streeter reports.
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NewsSpitzke invests in high-performance Plasser & Theurer track machines
GERMANY: Rail infrastructure contractor Spitzke is expanding its track maintenance machine fleet through a large-scale order placed with Plasser & Theurer.
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NewsICE4 remote control project aims to make train depot movements more efficient
GERMANY: The remotely controlled operation of an ICE4 high speed trainset is to be tested by a consortium of industrial, operating and academic partners as part of the RemODtrAIn project which aims to make train movements within maintenance depots more efficient.
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NewsAachen regional electrification gets underway
GERMANY: Work has started on electrification of the privately-owned Euregiobahn regional network serving the north and east of Aachen.
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In depthComment: Singapore metro ‘scandal’ shows the grass is always greener
A furore over metro reliability in Singapore has shone a light on the complex question of how railways are perceived. There is evidence that users and policymakers across the world feel railways abroad are somehow ‘better’ than their own, but as our Industry Editor Benjámin Zelki argues, such criticism — whether justified or not — will always be the price of doing business.
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NewsPfaffensteig Tunnel included in €2·5bn German funding package
GERMANY: The federal government has announced €1·7bn in funding for construction of the Pfaffensteig Tunnel, a key component in realising the full benefits of Stuttgart 21, as part of a €2·5bn package of rail investment.
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NewsDB demonstrates remote controlled S-Bahn train at München depot
GERMANY: Deutsche Bahn and Alstom have demonstrated the remote control of an S-Bahn trainset within a depot as part of a project to make shunting movements faster and more efficient and to reduce the distance staff need to walk.
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In depthRolling Stock: EuCo Rail responds to high demand for component maintenance
Rolling stock maintenance specialist EuCo Rail opened a component hub at Gersthofen in southern Germany in October last year. Jörg Ernst, President & CEO, explains to Benjámin Zelki how the site will help the business target what it sees as a gap in the market.
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News‘The future of rail in Bayern is electric’ says minister
GERMANY: Bayern’s Ministry of Housing, Building & Transport has commissioned rail infrastructure manager DB InfraGO to produce plans for the elimination of diesel train operations in the north of the Land.
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In depthGermany: Deutschlandtakt vision shapes capacity planning
Development of a medium-term capacity utilisation strategy is a key building block that meets European requirements whilst supporting the roll-out of Germany’s planned national regular-interval timetable over the coming decades.
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NewsBaden-Württemberg places €500m EMU order
GERMANY: The Land of Baden-Württemberg has awarded Alstom a €500m contract to supply and maintain a further 26 Coradia Max partly double-deck electric multiple-units.
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NewsTeam Poland acquires German tram manufacturer
EUROPE: Pesa has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of German tram manufacturer HeiterBlick, as part of the Polish rolling stock manufacturer’s ambitions for growth backed by the national Team Poland strategy.