Aided by financial experts within the company, transport organisations and public authorities at federal, regional and local government levels, Deutsche Bahn, under pressure to maintain its position on the market in the face of competition for its passenger traffic, is re-shaping itself in order not only to maintain its position in this field, but to strengthen it as well. However, to obtain all the necessary funding from federal coffers, the company has to produce precise specifications of how this finance is to be used. DB's current budget for its modernisation programme, including infrastructure development, amounts to EUR 3 billion. Of this sum, EUR 1.6 billion is earmarked for reconstruction and modernisation of track and catenary infrastructure, EUR 700 million for modernisation of signalling, train control and safety installations, EUR 600 million for building renovation, and EUR 100 million for elimination or enhanced protection of level crossings.
An InterCity train, topped by a driving coach, passes through new hall of the Leipzig/Halle airport station.
Photo: DB/Jazbec