The German Experience in Railway and Comprehensive Sustainable

Abstract

The main objective of developing the German railway network is to make the train the backbone of an environmentally and economically sustainable transport system by modernizing infrastructure, expanding network electrification, deploying electric and hydrogen trains, and linking these efforts to national strategies for reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency. The policies also aim to strengthen integration between railways and other transport modes, reinforce connections between urban and rural areas, and provide long term public financing that consolidates the train as a competitive alternative to high emission road transport. The outcomes include a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, as well as improved punctuality and network capacity through digitalization and advanced control systems. These developments have also helped to reduce road congestion and accidents and to improve urban air quality, while rail investments have created new jobs and enhanced economic competitiveness by lowering logistics costs and increasing the attractiveness of regions for investment, thereby making railways a key pillar in achieving Germany’s sustainable development objectives.