In response to ongoing low water levels affecting transport routes, Deutsche Bahn has announced plans to increase freight train services to support supply chains across Germany.

As Germany grapples with extreme heat and its impact on river transport, Deutsche Bahn is mobilizing additional freight capacity to alleviate disruptions. The company’s freight division, DB Cargo, has indicated it can deploy up to 400 extra freight cars immediately to help maintain logistics amid low water levels on the Rhine and Danube rivers.

Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger emphasized the urgent need for action during a meeting with regional transport ministers, highlighting that water levels remain critically low. He noted that measures such as temporary exemptions from Sunday driving bans for trucks have already been implemented to enhance flexibility in freight transport and ensure the continuity of supply chains.

Looking ahead, DB Cargo has proposed a long-term strategy that could see the addition of up to 500 freight cars over the coming months, potentially replacing hundreds of inland vessels. This shift is seen as crucial, as one freight train can replace up to ten barges due to its faster turnaround times. Meanwhile, Minister Bilger is advocating for the expansion and deepening of waterways to ensure reliable shipping routes in the future, although this has sparked debate regarding environmental impacts and the need for more natural river systems.