It was initially unclear whether this would mean that projects scheduled until 2029 were at risk of being delayed.
It comes a day after the ministry revealed a funding gap threatening refurbishment of the country’s motorways, with another €15 billion needed for projects planned between 2026 and 2029.
According to the ministry, the main reason for the deficit is the sharp increase in construction costs seen in recent years.
State secretary for transport Stefan Schnorr said on Thursday that some of the work on the country’s motorways will not be able to start as planned due to the funding hole.
Lawmakers approved the country’s 2025 budget on Thursday, including a significant amount of investment in the transport sector.
While overall spending on transport has been reduced by €6 billion to €38.3 billion compared to the 2024 budget, some €35.4 billion of that is specifically earmarked for investments in infrastructure, with a focus on updates to existing railway lines and crumbling bridges.
Amid warnings from German states of far-reaching delays to planned transport infrastructure updates, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has pointed to the massive amounts of funds earmarked in his 2025 budget for the sector, noting that it was up to Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder how the money was spent.
The government intends to make available a total of €160 billion for investment in transport infrastructure during the current legislative period, Klingbeil said. “This gives the transport minister a real opportunity to make a big impact and change the country.”
Source: dpa
