Weather - Further restrictions on train services: Deutsche Bahn admits shortcomings
The snow and ice have largely melted in Bavaria, but rail services are not yet running smoothly again. According to Deutsche Bahn (DB), journeys on the Werdenfelsbahn and trains from Munich to Ingolstadt, Nuremberg, Landshut and Hof are particularly affected. Buses are being used between Oberstdorf and Immenstadt to replace the train. DB acknowledged the shortcomings on Friday after clear criticism from the rail operator Go-Ahead and stated: "The rail network is too old, too crowded and too broken."
It is unclear how long rail travelers in the south and east of Bavaria will have to do without some regional connections. Deutsche Bahn is asking customers to find out about their respective connections before starting their journey.
Between Oberstdorf and Immenstadt, rain and melting snow have softened the railroad embankment, which is why the line is currently closed, according to a railroad spokeswoman. The section was previously closed in the fall because a beaver had damaged the embankment. Now repair work is due again.
Due to the heavy snowfall two weeks ago, two modernization projects have been delayed - on the Kochelseebahn and between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Mittenwald. DB has been renewing the overhead line system on the 35-kilometre stretch of the Kochelseebahn since March. Almost 600 overhead line masts are being replaced, according to a spokesperson. The line is expected to remain closed until December 17. There will be a replacement service with buses.
Between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Mittenwald, DB is renewing rails and sleepers as well as the track substructure. "Despite intensive preparations, man and machine have recently reached their limits in the extreme weather conditions," said the DB spokesperson. The work should have been completed on December 10. The closure is now expected to last until at least the end of January.
Fallen branches and fallen trees had also damaged overhead lines in many places, and pantographs on trains sank under the weight of the snow, leading to short circuits. The severe frost also caused considerable damage to many vehicles, for example to water pipes and tanks. Repairs are still pending on some vehicles.
Sharp criticism of the situation in rail transport was voiced by rail operator Go-Ahead. The Austrian Federal Railways subsidiary had accused DB Netz of being overstretched. Construction work was poorly planned, badly coordinated and announced too late. Passengers were right to be angry. In response, DB announced that it very much regretted that it was currently "not offering travelers the quality and reliability" that was rightly expected.
There was also criticism of the massive consequences for rail traffic from politicians. In January, Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft and Deutsche Bahn are to explain themselves to the state parliament's transport committee.
Railroad statement
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Source: www.stern.de
