More than 90 German rail projects face funding halt as billions gap emerges
The German government has confirmed that more than 90 railway expansion and new-build projects, some already under construction, could be stopped because federal funding falls far short of what is needed. The Greens warn of a standstill while the 2027 budget remains unresolved.
Funding gap exposed
The Green party’s parliamentary group says its inquiry to the transport ministry reveals a multibillion-euro shortfall affecting more than 90 projects across various planning stages, including some already being built. In 2026 alone, ongoing schemes require €2.363 billion. By 2030 the annual need rises to €4.562 billion for continuing works plus a further €1.2 billion for new starts.
- 2026 (ongoing)
- 2.363 € bn
- 2030 (ongoing)
- 4.562 € bn
- 2030 (new)
- 1.2 € bn
The ministry’s reply, first reported by Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, states that from 2027 the financing is not yet secured. It points to the ongoing budget-setting process: “The results of the current procedure must be awaited.”
Political reaction
Alliance pro Schiene, a transport lobby group, condemned the gap. Managing director Dirk Flege demanded the government keep its promise that project-ready schemes are actually built.
We expect the federal government to honour its pledge — namely, whatever is ready to build will indeed be built.
Green rail expert Matthias Gastel accused the CDU/CSU-SPD coalition of spending on “expensive clientelist gifts instead of efficient rail corridors” and noted that funds from the special infrastructure pot cannot be used for expansion or new construction.
Hamburg–Berlin line reopens with lessons
The Hamburg–Berlin line resumed service on Sunday after a lengthy overhaul, but SPD transport politician Anja Toff-Schaffarzyk said the project exposed serious weaknesses.
She called for more robust schedules and crisis-proof buffers. CDU transport spokesman Björn Simon urged Deutsche Bahn to provide reliable timetables and transparent communication for future corridor upgrades.For all the relief about the end of diversions, we must not hide the serious flaws of this mammoth project.
Longer-term fears
The government’s own medium-term plan to 2030 already shows investment below the level it deems necessary. Alliance pro Schiene insists the 2027 budget must be adjusted and a multi-year financing vehicle introduced to avoid a cascade of delays. Without action, overcrowded hubs such as Hamburg and Hanover, overloaded lines like Hanover–Bielefeld and Mannheim–Karlsruhe, and key electrification projects will be left without money.
