Crisis mode for Switzerland: German construction backlog has consequences for train traffic

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When asked who has not done his homework on the extension of the freight rail corridor from Rotterdam on the North Sea to Genoa on the Mediterranean, Füglistaler replied: “Germany”.

Switzerland and Italy are far away. At least in Germany the important decisions have finally been made. “It is foreseeable that several major construction sites and closures will occur in 2024 and 2025. We are going into crisis mode.” This applies to freight and passenger transport.

Switzerland and Germany agreed in a state treaty in 1996 that the German route Karlsruhe-Basel would be expanded to four lanes. This should create more space for passenger and freight trains.

In Switzerland there was frustration over delays and delays in cross-border passenger trains from Germany. Meanwhile, trains that are 10 to 15 minutes or more late are suspended at the border. The SBB has its own trains from Basel that leave on time. Guests from Germany must then transfer to the next train.

“To save Germany’s honor I must say: the existing corridor works to a certain extent,” Füglistaler said. The current traffic volume can be managed, but only “with very poor quality”.

Due to operational shortcomings, many freight trains were cancelled. “The strongest argument for rail freight transport is reliability.” It is not so much about speed, but about clear promises about when goods will arrive where. “We cannot currently keep this promise. We also have to work massively on quality there.”

Füglistaler’s message to Deutsche Bahn customers: “Don’t lose hope,” he said. “Stick to the train, bear it, it will get better. But it takes time. So be patient.” His message to the German Transport Minister: “The future is simply rail. You need decisions and political will. And endurance.”

A spokeswoman for Deutsche Bahn admitted that different priorities have been set in rail transport policy for decades. “This has significantly slowed down expansion on the German side in direct comparison with neighboring countries.” Civil protests almost completely halted expansion for years. Only a third of the 200 kilometer route between Karlsruhe and Basel is now in use. “In 2035, Deutsche Bahn will have the continuous four-track system between Karlsruhe and Basel and in 2041 the full extension for speeds up to 250 kilometers per hour.”

(SDA)

Source: Blick