Federal Audit Finds Major Flaws in Deutsche Bahn Corridor Renovations

The Bundesrechnungshof concluded that the initial corridor refurbishments by Deutsche Bahn display significant missteps, with cost-benefit analyses deemed faulty and unsubstantiated. Its assessment, addressed to the Bundestag's Haushaltsausschuss, points to DB InfraGo's failure to fulfil commitments and urges decisive remedial action. The Federal Transport Ministry, in a statement, accepted the audit's observations rather than refuting them, confirming persistent gaps in economic evaluations and success tracking.

After early setbacks, the rail operator and the government announced a reduction in the number of routes slated for renovation over the next five years and a phased re-opening of traffic post-construction. The audit also notes that completed general overhauls have repeatedly caused train delays, undermining the intended punctuality improvements. The court demands that each corridor project demonstrate budget-law compliance and that the ministry address the identified deficits.