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Further restrictions on train services: Deutsche Bahn admits shortcomings

Two weeks after the severe onset of winter in Bavaria, not all trains are running according to the regular schedule. There are still restrictions on these connections.

,   and  Alex Stellmacher
3 min read
A sign with the inscription "Tram has priority" stands on a street in front of the main station.....aussiedlerbote.de
A sign with the inscription "Tram has priority" stands on a street in front of the main station. Photo.aussiedlerbote.de

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

Read also:

  1. Despite the melting of snow and ice in Bavaria, Deutsche Bahn (DB) acknowledges ongoing issues with train service, particularly on the Werdenfelsbahn and trains to Ingolstadt, Nuremberg, Landshut, and Hof.
  2. Development of the railroad embankment between Oberstdorf and Immenstadt has been affected by rain and melting snow, resulting in a temporary closure of the line.
  3. Deutsche Bahn's modernization projects on the Kochelseebahn and between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Mittenwald have been delayed due to the heavy snowfall.
  4. Between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Mittenwald, DB is currently replacing rails, sleepers, and track substructure, leading to an extended closure beyond the initially planned December 10 ending date.
  5. Fallen branches and trees have caused damage to overhead lines and sinking pantographs, resulting in short circuits and further disruptions to train traffic.
  6. The severe frost has also caused substantial damage to vehicles, with repairs still ongoing for some.
  7. Criticism of the current rail transport situation has been voiced by rail operator Go-Ahead and politicians, who have accused DB of being overstretched and poorly coordinated.
  8. In response to the criticism, Deutsche Bahn regrets not providing the expected quality and reliability in train service.
  9. Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft and Deutsche Bahn will be asked to explain themselves to the state parliament's transport committee in January.

Source: www.stern.de

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