German industry is facing a new challenge as rising and unpredictable track access charges are putting immense pressure on rail freight transport and weakening the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector. Five major industry associations have warned that planned cuts in federal subsidies for these fees will drive up logistics costs.
The warning comes as the German government struggles to find savings in its budget. According to the associations, the draft budget for 2027 includes a reduction of 65 million euros in subsidies for track access charges. This cut, they argue, will inevitably lead to higher prices for rail transport.
“Rising and unpredictable track access charges are putting enormous pressure on rail freight and weakening the competitiveness of industry in Germany,” the associations said in a joint statement. The signatories include the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI), the Fuels and Energy Association (en2x), the German Paper Industry Association, the German Steel Association (WV Stahl), and the Association of Wagon Owners (VPI).
Budget cuts threaten rail freight competitiveness
The associations pointed out that the price hikes come at a time when the rail network is plagued by poor quality, unreliability, and delays. “Further increases in track access charges are no longer tenable under current conditions,” they stated. “In addition to the level of the charges themselves, their unpredictability is particularly problematic for investment and long-term logistics decisions.”
The industry groups emphasized that fees are rising despite worsening service quality. They called for any future increase in track access charges to be conditional on measurable improvements in network performance.
“In the current economic climate, these charges are unsustainable and represent a significant burden on rail logistics,” the statement continued. “On top of all the other challenges in rail transport that negatively impact service quality, they lead to additional costs and uncertainty.”
Industry calls for stable fees and infrastructure improvements
German manufacturers are demanding that the government maintain subsidies at least at current levels. They also want greater predictability in fee increases and a serious push to upgrade rail infrastructure.
According to the associations, a fundamental overhaul of the track access charge system is necessary. “Companies need planning certainty,” they said. “Reliable and affordable track access charges are a key condition for investment and the competitiveness of rail freight.”
The warnings come shortly after reports of cuts in the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF), which supports the transition of energy-intensive companies. This latest move threatens to add further cost pressure on an already struggling industrial sector.
Źródło: wnp.pl, Fot. Deutsche Bahn AG / Volker Emersleben
