German govt puts required rail investment at €88b

The German government said that about €88 billion of investment is needed by 2027 to make the national rail network more attractive and reliable, reported dpa.

Almost half of this amount - about €43 billion - is already being set aside in the federal budget.

The remaining €45 billion needs to be covered "as far as financially feasible" by 2027, according to the official statement.

The figures were given in response to a written question to the government by Viktor Perli, a member of the hard-left Die Linke party, which was seen by dpa.

This "investment offensive must be initiated immediately," Perli said. "Rail must become more attractive and an alternative to the car, especially in more rural regions."