Billions are missing for the general renovation of the rail network. An alliance of associations and unions is therefore calling on the federal government to correct course. Otherwise the mobility transition and climate goals would be at risk.
A broad alliance of associations and unions has warned of the consequences of the cuts in the 2024 budget for the rail network. These endanger the climate goals and the mobility transition in Germany, it said in a statement.
With the adoption of the budget, it is clear that “at least 13.5 billion euros will be missing for the fundamental renovation of the rail network by 2027.” Funds that were planned for expansion and new construction would now necessarily have to be used for renovation and urgently needed projects could not be tackled as planned.
“Massive underfunding”
The alliance, which includes the Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO), the Railway and Transport Union (EVG) and the Climate Alliance Germany, speaks of “massive underfunding”. There is therefore a risk of “significant planning uncertainties with drastic effects” on, among other things, punctuality and quality in rail transport throughout Germany.
The alliance is therefore calling on the federal government to fully secure financing for the urgently needed rail expansion. In their statement, the organizations criticize “the fact that, of all things, the climate-friendly and long-neglected rail system should be cut.”
“Wrong prioritization”
However, potential savings in the construction and expansion of highways remain unused, even though this demonstrably leads to more traffic jams and additional CO2 emissions. “This incorrect prioritization endangers the achievement of climate goals,” it continues.
“We need a clear prioritization of rail expansion in order to achieve the climate goals, but also to relieve pressure on the roads,” explained Climate Alliance board member Christiane Averbeck. New road and motorway construction destroys ecosystems, puts a strain on the environment and the climate and is scientifically proven to lead to more and more traffic. “This cannot be the future we want.”
Budget saves on climate protection
EVG boss Martin Burkert recalled the federal government’s responsibility to finance the necessary investments for the rail network adequately, in the long term and with reliable planning. “You can’t cut funding and then complain about the consequences,” he emphasized.
The 2024 budget was only passed last week – about two months later than planned. The delay was caused by a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court on the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF). The budget now contains numerous savings, including in climate protection programs. There is also significantly less money for the renovation and expansion of the railway network.
Wissing: “We have the resources we need”
Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing still believes that there will be enough money for the planned railway renovation in the near future. “We have the funds we need for 2024. Nothing more could be used,” Wissing told the news portal web.de.
The general renovation program begins as planned with the complete closure of the Riedbahn between Frankfurt and Mannheim from this summer. 40 central railway lines are to be completely renovated by 2030.