Train Services Across Germany Halted Due to Communication System Failure

Train services across Germany were temporarily halted on the night of June 23 (local time) due to a communication system failure, leaving passengers stranded.

Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany's state-owned railway operator, announced that the communication issue was resolved around 1:00 a.m. on June 24, approximately two and a half hours after the first report of the failure, and that train operations were gradually resuming.

Prior to this, Deutsche Bahn had temporarily suspended all train services across its entire network.

The disruption was caused by a nationwide failure of the "GSM-R," a digital system used for internal railway communications.

GSM-R is a system that provides voice and data services essential for railway operations, including communication between train drivers and control centers.

Following the failure, Deutsche Bahn immediately began restoration efforts and provided taxi and hotel vouchers to affected passengers.

The company also made arrangements for passengers to remain on trains stopped at stations whenever possible.

The company stated that the cause of the communication failure had been identified, but did not disclose specific details regarding the nature of the problem.

The communication failure affected all lines of the Berlin S-Bahn (suburban railway), as well as some commuter train services operated by Deutsche Bahn and private railway operations.

Metronom, which operates regional passenger lines in northern Germany, stated that all of its trains were affected by the communication failure.

Regional train and S-Bahn operators also announced via social media that suspended services were gradually resuming.

However, they added that train delays and cancellations are likely to continue until the morning of June 24.

(Photo: Reuters, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.