The growing impact of climate change is increasingly disrupting critical infrastructure, including Germany’s robust railway network. A recent train derailment caused by a landslide near Riedlingen highlighted the dire consequences of extreme weather events, with two lives tragically lost and over 40 people injured.
As heavy rains, heatwaves, and storms become more frequent, Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national railway company, is intensifying efforts to ensure its railways remain both safe and sustainable in the face of such challenges.
Climate Change and Its Growing Challenges for Railways
Across Germany, railways are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, which are intensifying due to climate change. Heavy rains, like those responsible for the landslide accident near Riedlingen, are a prime example.
Such rainfall events not only cause immediate damage but also compromise the long-term stability of railway infrastructure. These incidents are a preview of the broader challenges Deutsche Bahn is working to address.
Heavy Rainfall: A Persistent Threat
Landslides, flooding, and water damage are among the most immediate threats posed by heavy rainfall. The 2021 Ahr Valley floods serve as a stark reminder: the disaster destroyed 15 railway bridges and caused severe disruptions to rail services.
In response, Deutsche Bahn is implementing a comprehensive heavy rainfall plan that focuses on early water damage detection to mitigate accidents before they occur. The company is investing in more resilient infrastructure.
For instance, new railway bridges built since the floods now feature designs without central pillars in order to withstand flooding more effectively. These modernized structures anticipate the intensified storms predicted in the future.
Heatwaves and Drought: The Silent Disruptors
While heavy rainfall creates immediate and visible damage, heatwaves and drought pose quieter but equally significant challenges. During heatwaves, railway track temperatures can soar, leading to rail expansion issues that increase the risk of derailments.
This has prompted engineers to develop new construction methods that minimize such risks while maintaining operational safety.
Embankment Fires and Vegetation Management
Heat and drought conditions also increase the likelihood of fires along railway embankments. To address this, Deutsche Bahn is implementing innovative fire-prevention measures, including using less harmful herbicides and experimenting with embankment watering during dry spells.
This proactive approach aims to prevent vegetation fires and associated train service disruptions. AI technology is playing a crucial role in vegetation management.
A cutting-edge system monitors trees outside the designated six-meter safety corridor around the tracks. By using satellite imagery, this AI system identifies potential hazards, such as trees that could fall on the tracks during storms or high winds, allowing preventive action to be taken.
Advanced Technology for Safer Travel
In addition to upgrading its infrastructure, Deutsche Bahn is focusing on passenger safety and comfort during extreme conditions. The latest generation of high-speed trains, the ICE 4, comes equipped with state-of-the-art air conditioning systems designed to maintain consistent, comfortable temperatures ranging from -25°C to +45°C.
This ensures that passengers can travel in comfort even during record-breaking weather conditions.
Electrification and Sustainability
As part of its broader efforts, Deutsche Bahn is not only aiming for climate resilience but also striving to reduce its environmental footprint. Approximately €500 million has been invested in rail infrastructure upgrades, which include the electrification of train lines.
Electrification greatly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, especially as the railway continues to shift toward using renewable energy sources. This dual focus on climate adaptation and mitigation makes Germany’s railways a leader in sustainable transportation.
A Future of Resilience and Sustainability
Germany’s national rail system stands at the intersection of two pivotal challenges: the need to adapt to a rapidly changing climate and the responsibility of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Catastrophic events like the Riedlingen derailment or the Ahr Valley floods underscore the importance of forward-thinking investments and innovative strategies.
Deutsche Bahn’s commitment to resilience and sustainability is evident in its comprehensive climate strategies. These range from flood-resistant engineering solutions to advanced technologies such as AI for risk monitoring.
As extreme weather events become more common, these adaptations are crucial for passenger safety. They are also vital for the future of climate-resilient infrastructure.
The next decade will test the resilience of infrastructure worldwide. Germany’s railway systems offer a compelling case study of adaptation under pressure.
Here is the source article for this story: How can Germany’s railways become more climate resilient?