MUNICH. Old tracks, switches, sleepers: to bring its network up to standard, the rail company is carrying out work in many places across Bavaria. But even outside of these work zones, trains on more than 100 sections are unable to travel at their maximum speed.
Deutsche Bahn: Speed-Restricted Sections Are Particularly Numerous in the Munich Region
There are especially many speed-restricted sections in the area around Munich, as a Deutsche Bahn spokesperson informed the Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa). These speed restrictions are imposed for various reasons, such as vegetation trimming or infrastructure damage.
The actual number of speed-restricted sections may be even higher, as construction sites are not included in the stated figure. These restrictions often lead to delays and sometimes to train cancellations, as fewer trains can operate on the affected routes than planned.
Sections with speed restrictions that were implemented for safety reasons due to damage to tracks, switches, or sleepers will remain in effect until the infrastructure is repaired. The duration depends on the urgency of the work and the resources available.
Rail Company Aims to Reduce Number of Speed Restrictions – Investments to Be Increased
The number of such sections fluctuates significantly. For example, reports of trespassers on the tracks lead to slowdowns. “As quickly as these sections arise in the short term, many speed restrictions can also end: they can be lifted within just a few minutes or hours.” Therefore, it is difficult to give a long-term forecast for Bavaria.
The rail company is “constantly working with high intensity on planning and implementing the necessary restoration work to reduce the number of speed-restricted sections.” Next year, more funds than originally planned are to be invested in Bavaria.
The first full line closures for major refurbishments are scheduled for the Nuremberg-Regensburg and Obertraubling-Passau routes.
Passengers in the Munich Region Have Felt Rail Works – Updated Sleepers and Switches
Passengers in the Munich region have already felt the effects of work aimed at preventing speed restrictions. In particular, along the S-Bahn S1 and S2 lines, as well as in the area of Westkreuz, sleepers and switches are being replaced until mid-December so that trains can once again—or continue to—travel at full speed there.
The rail company is aware of the inconvenience for passengers. “However, the clear goal of the work is to noticeably stabilize S-Bahn operations,” the company noted.
Source: Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa)
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