Concerns are being raised about the ability of Deutsche Bahn (German Rail) to consistently meet punctuality targets. Schleswig-Holstein’s Economics Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen voiced skepticism during a televised discussion, suggesting achieving these goals is unlikely.
Madsen attributes the ongoing challenges to the state of Germany’s rail infrastructure, noting that certain stretches of track, extending up to 15 kilometers, are bottlenecked, permitting only a single train passage in each direction. He emphasized the significant delays inherent in infrastructural improvements, citing the planning approval processes as a lengthy obstacle. According to Madsen, these approvals routinely take around a decade, leading him to humorously suggest that battery-powered aircraft may arrive sooner than a reliably punctual rail system.
He advocated for a shift in perspective, implying acceptance of the current situation and encouraging a relaxed attitude toward potential delays. Madsen proposed rebranding Deutsche Bahn as a “German Railway Museum” implying a focus on historical significance rather than contemporary efficiency. He highlighted the contrast with Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train, which experiences approximately seven minutes of delays annually.
Madsen, an entrepreneur originally from Denmark and a relatively recent German citizen, formerly served as the Mayor of Rostock. His comments reflect a broader discussion surrounding the modernization and effectiveness of Germany’s national rail network and the considerable hurdles involved in achieving substantial improvements.
