Schienennetz: Güterbahnen kritisieren DB InfraGo

Private freight railway companies have criticized the subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, DB InfraGO, for continually increasing the track charges. According to the Association of Freight Railways, the track charges in the standard segment should rise by 6.6% in 2028. For hazardous goods, such as mineral oil, chemicals, or fertilizers, the increase is planned to be 63.5%.

For very heavy trains, typically used in the construction, steel, or energy sectors, the increase could be nearly 85%. Overall, this would result in an increase of more than 14%, after a proposed increase of nearly 13% for 2027. The association called on the federal government to quickly present proposals for the promised reform of the track charge system.

"A country that fights for its industry cannot afford to delay this reform any longer," said freight railway expert Oliver Smock. "When chemical, construction, and steel transports become unaffordable on rails, not only goods but also value creation and jobs move abroad." DB InfraGO, the freight railway subsidiary, has no incentive to control its costs under the current legal framework because others pay.

"Only a realignment of the track charge system towards competitive prices and multi-year stability can help," Smock said. Otherwise, there will be further shifts to trucks. Track prices are the fees for using the rail network. They are planned to increase by 7.9% on average in 2027 – 12.9% in freight transport, 7.7% in passenger rail, and 5.0% in long-distance rail. More: Track prices are to rise by almost eight percent on average in 2027.