Despite numerous challenges, the Leipzig ICE plant is optimistic about the future on the occasion of its 15th anniversary. "Our aim is to get the trains back on the track without any faults," says Klaus Adamsen-Buttkus, head of the ICE plant. However, this requires careful advance planning - a task that is made even more difficult by the frequent delays at Deutsche Bahn.
Modernization with effects on Leipzig
"The railroad is not doing well at the moment," admits the manager. The reason for this is the network infrastructure, which is "not optimal" due to years of neglect. Nevertheless, the Group is working flat out to improve the situation: The network infrastructure is to be comprehensively modernized by 2027. A first important step has already been taken with the general refurbishment of the Riedbahn between Frankfurt am Main and Mannheim.
Goal: to be back in the black as soon as possible
Around 300 employees work at the Leipzig ICE plant and are responsible for the maintenance of a total of 70 trains. The Leipzig site is one of the nine central plant locations in Germany. In addition, there are also decentralized locations, such as the Dresden site in Saxony.
The ambitious restructuring program of Deutsche Bahn follows a "tight time frame", as Adamsen-Buttkus emphasizes. The programme is made up of three clear priorities: renovating the core network, stabilizing rail operations and strengthening profitability. The aim is to be back in the black as soon as possible.
Copyright 2025, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
