Schleswig-Holstein: Transport Minister Madsen talks about railway debacle

Schleswig-Holstein: Transport Minister Madsen talks about railway debacle

In the past few weeks, Deutsche Bahn has repeatedly made headlines, and without exception negatives. With estimated timetables, dissatisfied employees and massive full closures, the company faces challenges that themselves prepare for the board and the Federal Ministry of Transport. This Situation particularly affects Schleswig-Holstein, where Claus Ruhe Madsen, the state transport minister of the CDU, feels effects on economy and tourism.

In conversation with FOCUS Online it became clear how much Schleswig-Holstein suffers from the difficulties of the train. For the region, which is strongly dependent on rail traffic, for example for commuters to Sylt, both everyday work and tourist business depend on the silk thread. If the train does not work reliably, access to regional delicacies, such as fish rolls, remains blocked.

rail infrastructure in the crisis

Madsen makes it clear that the rail infrastructure in Schleswig-Holstein is the worst in Germany, supplemented by the lowest electrification rate in the country. "Actually, we should no longer sell tickets, but only tickets for a museum railway," he says in the interview. These statements show the frustration and the urgency of the situation. In particular, Northvolt's plans to build a battery factory in the area are hindered by the poor infrastructure. The railway has the task of ensuring that transports can be ecologically and efficient, but reality looks different.

One of the most difficult challenges is the full closure of important railway lines, such as between Hamburg and Berlin. Madsen explains that renovation is no longer possible during operation. He compares the need for comprehensive renewal with a dilapidated house in which not only one room, but several must be renovated at the same time. "After decades of wear, this is simply without alternative," he emphasizes and asks those responsible to comply with a clear renovation plan.

an incentive system for Deutsche Bahn

Madsen also emphasizes that the privatization of the railway was not completely successful. Despite the 100 percent state participation, there is no clear incentive for quality and customer orientation. "The railway has to become more economical and respond more to the needs of customers," said Madsen. In order to counteract this melancholy, he suggests an incentive system. The quality of the routes would have to play a role in the route fees that the train has to pay. "Where the condition of the rails is inadequate, less has to be paid there," he demands. This is the only way to create an incentive to improve the infrastructure and give the whole a positive direction.

The current plans of the traffic light government to increase the route fees from 2026 consider Madsen as "completely absurd". Ultimately, this would pass on the costs to the passengers and drive up the already expensive network charges. Madsen demands that the federal government have to comply with its responsibility and criticize the conditions in rail transport as not acceptable.

The drama of the situation is also clear by the complaints of many transport companies against increasing the fees, which are considered unacceptable. Especially in a federal state like Schleswig-Holstein, where there are already short means available, further stress would be the last thing the region needs. Madsen warns: "A red line is exceeded." The signs of such an incorrect development are obvious.

The challenge of creating a powerful and motivated team of personnel at Deutsche Bahn is also discussed. Madsen is aware of the situation of the employees and emphasizes that the problems must not be blamed on the employees. He reminds that motivation and better working conditions are essential to get out of the current misery.

Finally, Madsen comments on the management of Deutsche Bahn under Richard Lutz. In conversation with FOCUS Online, he admits that a fresh start is needed. It remains unclear whether this has to be done through personnel consequences. The fact is, however, that a rethink is necessary. "A fresh start after the Bundestag election is urgently necessary," sums up Madsen, putting a clear appeal to political responsibility.