The German government and Deutsche Bahn, a national railway company, are planning to invest €86 billion ($96 billion) in what has been called the biggest railway modernization program in the country’s history.
The 10-year plan calls for a complete overhaul of the suffering railway network and will include the renovation of around 2,000 bridges, the replacement of outdated facilities, and improving construction management and the condition of railway bridges. The project also aims to double the number of train drivers and passengers by 2030.
The government of Germany will fund the lion’s share of the project, with a contribution of €62 billion ($69 billion), and Deutsche Bahn will contribute €24.2 billion ($27 billion).
The new agreement will replace the existing five-year plan, which allotted €5.6 billion ($6.2 billion) for railway maintenance per year — a 54 percent increase.
