302 serious train traffic disruptions in first half of 2025; ProRail wants more funding

In the first half of 2025, ProRail recorded 302 serious train traffic disruptions that inconvenienced many travelers, more than last year. In its half-yearly report, the rail manager urged politicians to invest in the railways to safeguard its reliability, RTL Nieuws reports.

About 42 percent of the disruptions in the first half of the year were caused by collisions with people, animals, and vehicles on the track, ProRail said. Over 38 percent were due to technical malfunctions like broken switches and overhead lines.

ProRail said it was trying to minimize disruptions with targeted maintenance on track components that are susceptible to failure. It is also working on getting contractors on-site more quickly to resolve problems, and expanding camera surveillance to more quickly detect people and animals on the track.

According to the rail manager, suicide by train is a key problem. A quarter of all major disruptions are caused by suicides, which ProRail CEO John Voppen said have a tremendous impact on everyone involved. ProRail and the suicide prevention foundation, 113 Zelfmoordpreventie, are advocating together for structural funding for timely, appropriate care and support to people experiencing suicidal thoughts. According to ProRail, this will also lead to fewer collisions and delays.

Despite the increase in disruptions and stricter standards introduced at the start of 2025, punctuality improved compared to last year. On the main rail network, almost 87 percent of trains arrived within three minutes of their scheduled time. And almost 96 percent arrived less than 10 minutes late.

The regional lines were less reliable, and it is uncertain whether ProRail will meet the minimum targets this year. According to the company, “delays from Germany and discrepancies in performance agreements between carriers and ProRail” make meeting the punctuality targets complicated.

According to ProRail, track maintenance and renewal are becoming significantly more expensive, and “the budget is barely keeping pace.” The rail manager therefore urged politicians to stop implementing budget cuts and “invest in the railways, as they play a crucial role in both military and civilian logistics.” Further budget cuts could jeopardize the reliability of the railways and lead to a deterioration similar to what is currently occurring in Germany.

Voppen also warned that the railway must be ready to serve in potential military operations, especially if conflict breaks out elsewhere in Europe. Military equipment arriving at the port of Rotterdam may need to be transported by rail to Germany, but in some areas the tracks are still too close together for tanks to pass. ProRail said it is essential to invest in widening those tracks and preparing for possible sabotage.