
AI-generated summary
Germany's railroad system has suffered from years of neglect, leading to frequent delays and deteriorating infrastructure, which has become a major public concern. The government is responding with a five-year modernization plan.
The German Transport Ministry has presented a five-year "Infraplan" setting out goals for the improvement of the derelict railroad system.
Transport undersecretary Ulrich Lange said the plan was to be the central compass for the goverment.
"We specify the direction, set priorities and monitor the progress of the implementation," he said as he handed the plan to Philipp Nagl, the chairman of railway operator Deutsche Bahn's infrastructure division, DB InfraGO.
The 160-page plan, which is to be revised each year, covers the period from 2026 to 2030.
The planned renovation measures include repairs, digitization and electrification of routes, reconstruction of stations, noise control and the extension or new construction of lines.
The plan sets out a performance indicator system to make possible a transparent evaluation of the developments in the railroad infrastructure.
There are eight indicators with mandatory targets, such as how many kilometers (miles) of new tracks are laid per year, how many kilometers have been electrified and how many minutes delay are caused by infrastructure defects.
One of the targets set out in the plan is to build 155 kilometers (96 miles) of new track by 2030.
The plan does not, however, contain provisions for financing the railroad renovations, which currently depend on the government budget.
The Transport Ministry is working on a law on a railroad fund that secures financing for several years.
As an example of the problems currently facing train passengers, in September, nearly every second long-distance train was delayed.
A warm guten Tag from DW's newsroom on the banks of the still-thirsty Rhine River in Bonn!
In other countries, pet gripes might be the weather, the price of rice or the number of traffic jams.
But here in Germany, one topic of complaint looms particularly large, on our pages as well: the long-neglected railroad system.
The government has now sought to offer reassurance to long-suffering train passengers with a five-year plan outlining the next moves in modernizing railroad infrastructure.
Leaders in the ruling conservative/center-left coalition are also looking at the progress of reform plans in other sectors at a committee meeting.
And German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stressed that "Germany stands firmly at Israel's side" as that country marks the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas-led attacks.
Read on here for more on these and other stories.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The German government will pass a law establishing a railroad fund to secure multi-year financing for infrastructure renovations.
Likely · Within months
Train delays in Germany will remain high in the near term due to ongoing infrastructure defects.
Likely · Within months

Coalition MPs conceded their immigration policy to reduce net overseas migration has not been fully costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office, despite Angus Taylor defending it as budget neutral. The policy targets 100,000 net overseas migration for two years, rising to 130,000 and 160,000 in subsequent years, drawing criticism from business and universities over economic risks.

Indian police increased security in central Delhi ahead of potential protests following opposition leaders' sit-in at the Election Commission over vote theft allegations, while the BJP marked 25 years of Narendra Modi in public service.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a snap election for November 29 after his emergency housing measures failed in parliament, citing the need for a broader progressive majority amid political deadlock, migration pressures, and rising opposition from Vox and PP.

Members of both major US political parties criticized President Donald Trump's remarks suggesting that sacrificing American cities like Los Angeles and San Diego could be an acceptable cost in a war against Iran, with California Governor Gavin Newsom calling the comments 'deranged' and dangerous, while Republican figures including Jim Desmond and Kevin Kiley distanced themselves from the statements amid ongoing midterm election tensions.

Tight polls show Texas Governor Abbott facing a close race against Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa, while a competitive Senate contest also threatens Republican dominance amid low presidential approval.

Former head of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND), August Hanning, aged 80, has been arrested on charges of espionage, treason, and attempted treason. Prosecutors allege he received nearly 2,000 classified BND documents from his former chief-of-staff Manfred D. in exchange for money and leaked information to foreign intelligence services. The case also involves a prior investigation linked to the Christina Block kidnapping case, where top-secret BND documents were found during a 2025 search of Hanning's property. Political figures from CDU, Greens, and Left Party have reacted, with calls for greater scrutiny of former officials' lobbying activities.