Deutsche Bahn wants to modernize numerous stations.
(Photo: dpa)
Berlin Deutsche Bahn wants to face the group’s serious crisis with an increase in staff, more money for the ailing network and more modern stations. “We are hiring 3,000 specialists this year alone – construction project planners and supervisors,” announced the group board member responsible for the network, Berthold Huber, in the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”.
“With this and with investments in a more modern construction machine park, we will double the capacities of our own railway construction division”. The aim is to push ahead with the necessary renovation of our own network. With additional staff, the group will also take stronger action against the risk of sabotage. “It is planned that we will hire 500 new security guards who will better protect the rails and systems,” said Huber.
“This year we are accelerating the modernization of the network at our own expense,” added. “Around 2,000 kilometers of track, 1,800 points and 200 bridges will be renewed by the end of the year.” Because Deutsche Bahn is also pre-financing over three billion euros, “we are modernizing 17 percent more tracks, eleven percent more points and over 50 percent more systems of the control and security technology than in the previous year”.
In addition, 650 train stations were to be modernized. “We are planning new display systems for informing travelers and beautifying underpasses. We will raise platforms to allow step-free boarding and install ramps and elevators to create accessibility,” said Huber. The aim is also to turn “train stations in the big cities” into “mobility hubs” in the future – “and to equip them with bicycle parking garages”.
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