European and national freight transport associations have criticised the increasing complexity, costs and uncertainty in the operation of the German railway infrastructure in a joint letter to the new German Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder. They complain that infrastructure operator DB InfraGO does not provide the infrastructure quality and customer-oriented information that is standard in many European countries. The letter, dated 13th May 2025, calls on Schnieder to make the condition and management of the German railway network a priority, as Germany is a central hub in European logistics. While the associations support investment in the infrastructure, they are calling for practical diversion lines during prolonged closures of main corridors for construction work. The currently proposed diversions are too long, have insufficient capacity and could themselves be affected by disruptions, while communication is delayed and inconsistent. They are calling for a change in the approach to construction work if no viable diversions can be guaranteed, as the current situation risks freight services being shifted back to the roads, which could lead to more congestion and undermine climate targets.
