Regional train

© istockphoto.com/hanohiki

This time of crisis is showing just how important the railways are. Even with little personnel and strict hygiene rules, it is possible to safely transport people, important commodities, food, and medical products by rail. Those employed in the railway industry are an important part of the backbone of our secure basic supply, including those ensuring reliable deliveries of spare parts, and those in maintenance, service, digital components, and manufacturing. Safeguarding industrial structures in Germany is important now, and it will also form the basis for a strong recovery after the crisis.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Peter Altmaier: “A strong railway industry is important for Germany and its economy. This is true now during the acute crisis, and will be even more so afterwards, when economic output and the transfer in goods and persons pick up speed again. Issues such as low-carbon mobility and a modern infrastructure will then again be in the focus. This is why it is so important to safeguard and protect value chains, companies and jobs in Germany unharmed, if possible, so that we can make a strong fresh start together once the crisis is over. This is the objective that has led the Federal Government to create a large umbrella for companies of all sizes and from all sectors.”

Federal Minister Peter Altmaier and Michael Fohrer, President of the German Railway Industry Association (VDB) e.V., are thanking all those employed in the German railway industry who are doing such an amazing job in serving society whilst upholding the strictest hygiene rules. Small, medium-sized and large companies, said the two, are aware of the important role played by the sector, and Germany can rely on its railway industry.

“Economic success relies on the railways. We need to invest in sustainable mobility: digitisation for the network and the trains, modernisation of the infrastructure, an innovation bonus for zero-emissions trains. A strong railway industry will also be a strong economic locomotive after the crisis”, said Fohrer. Climate-friendly mobility must continue to be ‘Made in Germany’ and ‘Made in Europe’.