A nationwide pilot project to modernise rural rail infrastructure has been launched in northeast Germany. The “Multimodale Schiene Nordost” programme officially began in Pritzwalk on Wednesday with the signing of a cooperation agreement between Deutsche Eisenbahn Service AG (DESAG) and Netz33, part of the Niedax Group. The initiative focuses on deploying high-performance fibre-optic cables along DESAG rail corridors between Berlin, Hamburg and Rostock.
The goal is to bring advanced digital technology to rural regions and improve the performance of local rail infrastructure. “With this project we are setting a strong signal for digitalisation and innovation in rural rail transport and creating the basis for a powerful and future-proof mobility network,” said Dr. Ralf Böhme, Member of the Board at DESAG.
Netz33 will install the fibre using systems from the Niedax Group and optical technology from Corning. “The combination of our cable solutions with high-performance fibre technology creates a new benchmark for capacity, sustainability and safety,” noted Bruno Reufels, CEO of Niedax Group.
Beyond fibre-optic connectivity, DESAG aims to create multimodal utility corridors along the tracks. Future applications could include routing renewable energy through the same right-of-way, keeping regionally generated electricity within the local grid. According to DESAG, this cross-sector concept could support economic development and energy resilience.
Brandenburg’s Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Detlef Tabbert, welcomed the initiative, calling it a model for rural regions. “High-performance fibre along rail corridors opens new opportunities for the rail network and can increase the attractiveness of both passenger and freight services in the countryside,” he said.
The pilot is expected to improve conditions for regional logistics, data infrastructure investors and future railway operations. It also aims to stimulate business activity by making the area more attractive for technology companies and data-driven industries.
The Multimodale Schiene Nordost is the first project of its kind in Germany. If successful, it could serve as a blueprint for modernising railway corridors beyond the country’s metropolitan areas.
