"It can't go on like this": Wissing: Modern infrastructure must become a national goal

Leaking gas pipelines, outdated rail network: In order to provide Germany with a modern infrastructure, this should be anchored in the Basic Law as a state goal, demands Transport Minister Wissing.

"It can't go on like this": Wissing: Modern infrastructure must become a national goal

Leaking gas pipelines, outdated rail network: In order to provide Germany with a modern infrastructure, this should be anchored in the Basic Law as a state goal, demands Transport Minister Wissing. He hopes that this will lead to a faster renovation of the railway network - and more money for it.

Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing wants to set the creation of a modern infrastructure in Germany as a goal in the Basic Law. "I propose that we enshrine a sustainable infrastructure as a state goal in the Basic Law," said the FDP politician to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". He referred to the recent explosions on the Baltic Sea pipelines Nord Stream 1 and 2. The alleged act of sabotage shows: "A reliable infrastructure is crucial for our security."

Wissing also commented on the railway infrastructure. This is also relevant to security with the transport of strategic goods, but its networks are outdated. "It just can't go on like this," said the minister. In his opinion, anchoring the infrastructure goal in the Basic Law could help to speed up the renovation and get more money for it.

In view of the many delays, Wissing made the management of Deutsche Bahn responsible: "I expect rapid success from Deutsche Bahn," he said. Their previous construction strategy had "failed". The railway management must now ensure that the new strategy with massive route closures "is precisely prepared, implemented on schedule and that communication is good and early on".

According to Wissing, the government is currently working with Deutsche Bahn on a modernization program for train stations. Bicycle parking garages and more charging options for electric cars are planned. Before the negotiations about a successor to the nine-euro ticket, Wissing also spoke out in favor of the cheapest possible ticket. "Surveys show: The closer we are to 49 euros, the more it is used."