Clearing the Track for Trains

Located in the center of Europe, Germany needs a strong transport network — nationally and internationally, for both passengers and freight. Trains form the backbone of this network. Passengers and commercial freight customers alike expect punctual and reliable service both day and night. And that requires one thing above all: “freie Bahn” — which means both unobstructed train tracks and unimpeded progress in general. In other words, a rail infrastructure that is sufficiently dimensioned and resistant to failure. For years, however, the network in Germany has been shrinking. And many of its remaining tracks and shunts need repairs. Too few of the signal towers and systems are state of the art. Because of this overall situation, lines are overcrowded and service can be delayed due to technical problems and corrective maintenance. Yet without stable support, the rail system cannot withstand the pressures it has long been facing. Is there a solution?

Marc Zacherl, Senior Partner and Global Lead Transportation at the Porsche Consulting management consultancy, is convinced that greater stability when planning infrastructure projects and more reliability in the funding for longer-term future investments would help structure rail services to meet demand. In short, the rail system needs greater entrepreneurial scope in order to develop more freely.

Uncertain planning also affects business partners, service providers, locomotive and carmakers, and contractors for large-scale construction projects. It also affects cargo companies that seek to use environmentally friendly rail services. Porsche Consulting wanted to know the crucial concerns and ideas of companies and organizations that work closely together with the rail system, and spoke with leading experts.