Transformation into a high-performance network
In June 2022, the BMDV and DB Group presented plans for a new high-performance network to sustainably increase the quality and reliability of the infrastructure. The high-performance network will include the most highly utilized rail links in Germany. Due to the forecasted traffic development, the highly utilized network will consist of more than 9,000 line kilometers by the end of the decade. The so-called general modernizations are a tool for transformation into the high-performance network.
Two decisive and new elements are applicable to the general modernizations:
- consolidation of all future upcoming construction work across all crafts, and
- increasing (residual) performance capability.
The general modernization of the first corridor started on July 15, 2024, with the Riedbahn (Frankfurt — Mannheim line). From 2025 onwards, the Emmerich — Oberhausen section and between August 2025 and April 2026 the general modernization of the Hamburg — Berlin corridor will follow.
Before the start of the Riedbahn pilot project, the line was completely closed to train traffic for about three weeks at the beginning of 2024. Since the construction volume during the general modernization from July to December 2024 is very high, DB Group decided to carry out individual construction work in advance – it was also the final test for the new rail replacement service and the diversion of freight and long-distance transport.
In order to immediately stabilize and improve the operating situation until the start of the general modernizations, the elements of the high-performance network which can be implemented in the short-term will be brought forward: blocking times will be consolidated more effectively and peaks in the construction workload will be spread out to a greater extent, diversion routes will be made more accessible and higher-quality and more robust elements will have been installed in advance wherever possible.
DB InfraGO is increasing its annual preventative maintenance budget by a significant three-figure million sum. This makes it easier to especially prevent small disruptions. By communicating comprehensively and at an early stage, DB InfraGO is ensuring greater planning predictability for the contracting organizations, train operating companies and their customers.