“We have a strong strategy, ambitious targets and we have the support of our customers and suppliers to deliver the best quality based on our revolutionary concept. By 2023, we will invest EUR 67 billion to expand our capacity, by implementing infrastructure projects, including new connections, rolling stock procurement programme, and developing our transport and logistics sector,” said Alexander Doll, Member of the Management Board for Finance, Freight Transport and Logistics at Deutsche Bahn AG, during the 6th Railway Forum in Berlin. Railway PRO was the Communication Partner of the event, which took place on 1-2 October.
By 2023, DB will allot EUR 4 billion to develop its transport and logistics sector. The strategy envisages the procurement of new locomotives and freight cars as well as the implementation of digitalisation programmes consisting of standardisation and automation of processes. DB Cargo has announced tenders for the procurement of 400 locomotives. To digitalise the freight fleet, by 2020, DB Cargo will fit 70,000 wagons with sensors and telematics systems. Half of this project is already completed.
DB will “considerably invest to develop and modernise its infrastructure, as well as its stations, to meet future demand”, Alexander Doll said. Under DB’s 2023 strategy, EUR 52 billion will be invested to enhance and modernise German railway network. The plans include the modernisation and expansion of the infrastructure, the deployment of modern management systems and control technology. In addition, DB will invest in its railway stations to renovate the small and medium-sized stations and will support modernisation initiatives proposed by the federal states.
On the railway passenger segment, EUR 11 billion will be invested for the procurement of new long-distance and regional trains as well as for the modernisation and expansion of train depots. By 2024, DB will purchase 229 new trains, of which 137 ICE 4 trains, 69 IC 2 and 23 new trains from Talgo.
At the beginning of this year, Talgo was awarded the contract to deliver new generation of push-pull trains, which will provide international, long-distance and intercity services. Initially, 23 trains valuated at EUR 550 million will be delivered, with an additional option for 100 trainsets. Talgo trains will operate at a maximum speed of 230 km/h and the first trainsets will enter services on Hamburg – Oberstdorf, Köln – Westerland and Berlin – Amsterdam routes.
The ICE 4 trains will form DB’s backbone for long-distance services, providing new traffic standards for passengers. Back in 2011, DB and Siemens Mobility signed a framework agreement for 300 trainsets. In total, DB will receive 1,511 cars, which can configure 37 7-car, planned for use in Germany and Austria, 50 12-car and 50 13-car trainsets, expected to enter services in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
In addition, the existing trains will be modernised to meet the needed capacity. DB will start comprehensive technical overhaul for 58 ICE 1 trains and redesign of another 47 ICE 3 trains by 2024.
“DB leads mobility market and we have to invest in a sustainable manner, which will meet the growing demand and in the same time, will answer to environmental aspects,” Alexander Doll concluded.
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