DB InfraGO challenges regulator's 2027 track charge cap in court

The ceiling is about EUR 231 million below the EUR 7.548 billion that DB InfraGO assumed; according to the company, a funding gap with consequences for network quality looms, because the decision presumes high federal maintenance funding while the cabinet decision of 6 July 2026 points to less money. The lawsuit delays the setting of the 2027 track charges.

On 23 July 2026 DB InfraGO filed a lawsuit against the Bundesnetzagentur decision of 24 June 2026 and also applied for interim-relief proceedings at the Cologne administrative court. The decision caps the total costs that may feed into the 2027 track-access charges at EUR 7.317 billion, about EUR 231 million less than the EUR 7.548 billion the company had assumed. DB InfraGO objects that the regulator presumes high federal funding for maintenance although the cabinet decision of 6 July 2026 points to lower federal funds; without a lawsuit the decision would become final and the charges could no longer be adjusted later, which is why the setting of the 2027 track charges is delayed. (LOK Report, 24 Jul 2026)