Dr. rer. nat. Michael Bernhardt
What is holding back railway infrastructure — and what can be done?

Date: 05.11.2026
From 18:30, starts at 19:00

Venue: Villa Bonn, Siesmayerstrasse 12, 60323 Frankfurt am Main

Topic:
Germany’s rail infrastructure has been operating at its limits for years. Ageing tracks and signal boxes, insufficient capacity, lengthy planning and approval procedures and a substantial investment backlog lead to delays, cancellations and restrictions in passenger and freight transport. At the same time, rail is expected to play a key role in the transition in mobility and transport.

But what are the real causes of these problems? Is the main issue a lack of funding, long-term planning or efficient structures? What measures are needed to modernise the existing network, remove bottlenecks and sustainably improve performance?

Dr Michael Bernhardt analyses the state of Germany’s rail infrastructure from the perspective of an experienced industry practitioner. He identifies the technical, political and organisational changes required—and the solutions that can realistically be implemented.

Speaker:
Dr Michael Bernhardt has been Managing Director of Rail Power Systems GmbH in Munich since 2015, a leading provider of railway electrification and rail power supply systems. Previously, he was Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Rail GmbH and InoSig GmbH, a joint venture between Balfour Beatty Rail and Bombardier Signal.

He began his career in the railway industry as a consultant on infrastructure projects and as a project manager at Thales Rail, where he helped implement electronic interlockings in Germany. Michael Bernhardt studied physics at the University of Essen and earned a doctorate in natural sciences. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the German Railway Industry Association and of the Advisory Board of the Institute of Railway Technology.

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