Infrastructure

For the further course of the year 2021, train-path demand is expected to continue along the positive development course seen at the start of the second quarter. At the end of 2021, it is expected to exceed both the previous year’s figure and the level of 2019. A risk for train-path demand results from possible industrial action by the GDL.

The fundamentally positive outlook for train-path demand is driven, among other things, by the increase in regional rail passenger transport thanks to the increase in regionalization funds. In addition, the long-distance rail passenger traffic that has been absent up to now is expected to fully resume, and it is expected that this traffic will be further expanded. Due to the positive economic development, rail freight transport expects a faster recovery than previously forecast. The positive development is supported by the additional train-path price support.

Station stops are expected to increase slightly year-on-year compared to 2019 levels. The share of non-Group railways will continue to increase slightly. Rental income in stations will continue to decline in 2021 due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.