Train services resume across Germany after system failure brought network to standstill
&imwidth=600&imheight=450&format=webp&quality=medium "Train services resume across Germany after system failure brought network to standstill")
Photograph: (AFP)
Deutsche Bahn said the disruption was caused by a failure in the Global System for Mobile Communication for Railways, known as GSM-R.
Train services across Germany began returning to normal on Wednesday after a failure in the railway communication system brought operations nationwide to a halt.
State-owned rail operator Deutsche Bahn said all trains had been "immobilised at stations" on Tuesday because of a technical fault affecting the network.
The company later announced that the issue had been "resolved" and services were gradually resuming. However, it warned passengers that some delays and disruptions could continue as operations returned to normal.
The nationwide outage forced trains across the country to stop late on Tuesday. At Munich's main railway station, display boards advised passengers not to board trains and warned of restricted services, lengthy delays and cancellations. Travellers carrying luggage were seen waiting on platforms and inside the station.
Deutsche Bahn said the disruption was caused by a failure in the Global System for Mobile Communication for Railways, known as GSM-R.
"All trains are currently being held at stations," Deutsche Bahn said while the outage was ongoing.
Trending Stories
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
)
)
)
)
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
)
)
)
)
)
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
)
)
)
)
)
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
)
)
)
The GSM R system serves as the primary communication link between train drivers and traffic control centres. During the disruption, the operator said, "Our technicians are working flat out to resolve the issue."
More than two and a half hours after rail traffic came to a complete standstill, Deutsche Bahn announced that the fault had been fixed.
"Our IT experts worked tirelessly to resolve the issue successfully. The disruption was quickly fixed, and service is now gradually resuming," it said. "We thank all passengers for their patience," it added.
The railway operator apologised for the disruption and said affected passengers would be eligible for taxi and hotel vouchers. It also stated that replacement transport would be provided where possible.
Deutsche Bahn operates both long-distance and regional rail services across Germany.
