{
  "id": 19285576,
  "title": "Verkehr auf der Schiene: Verband: Schienennetz wächst 2026 nur um gut 34 Kilometer",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/verkehr-auf-der-schiene-verband-schienennetz-wachst-2026-nur-um-gut",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-10T04:00:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/verkehr-auf-der-schiene-verband-schienennetz-waechst-2026-nur-um-gut-34-kilometer/100268605.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "According to the Association of Private Freight Railways, only 34 kilometers of new or expanded track will become operational in Germany this year, representing a mere thousandth of the total DB InfraGo network, which totals around 33,400 kilometers. The rail network managed by the infrastructure-focused subsidiary comprises nearly 33,400 kilometers. The growth in this sector has been slower compared to recent years. In 2025, only 44 kilometers were added, while in 2024, 48.2 kilometers were extended. Private freight railways are direct competitors to the freight division of the German rail company DB Cargo. Peter Westenberger, the managing director of the freight railways, noted in a statement that the low water levels on many rivers have made it clear since the summer that Germany needs a more robust rail network with reserves. \"34 kilometers of new and expanded construction in one year is far too little for a country like Germany.\" This year's five identified projects for expansion and construction include a new S-Bahn section in Berlin, a third rail track between Dinslaken and Voerde in North Rhine-Westphalia, a second rail track between Troisdorf and Bonn-Beuel in North Rhine-Westphalia, a second rail track between Dernau and Rech/Altenahr in Rhineland-Palatinate, and a partial section of the third and fourth rail tracks on the Rheintalbahn with the Rastatt tunnel in Baden-Württemberg. These projects together add up to 34.3 kilometers of track. The association also pointed out that the electrification of existing tracks is proceeding slowly, with only a 2.6-kilometer stretch between Chemnitz Hauptbahnhof and Chemnitz Süd being electrified in 2026. Westenberger emphasized that resilience requires reserves, and reserves are created by additional tracks, overpasses, efficient hubs, and electrifications. According to the freight railways, the German government should once again prioritize both rehabilitation and the expansion of capacity as a genuine priority.",
  "summary": "Der Ausbau des deutschen Schienennetzes kommt kaum voran. Die Priorität liegt auf der Sanierung maroder Bahnstrecken. Darin sieht der Verband der Güterbahnen ein wachsendes Problem.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}