Winter weather forces NS to continue reduced train service nationwide on Monday
Dutch rail operator NS will continue running a reduced train schedule on Monday as winter weather leaves many trains out of service, particularly in the eastern regions of the country, NS reported. ProRail, the national railway infrastructure manager, also warned that thawing and residual ice may cause further delays.
NS reported that many trains suffered defects during last week’s cold and snowy weather, requiring maintenance at depots. “Last week it was hardly possible to move trains to maintenance facilities,” NS said on its website. Including trains already scheduled for maintenance, around 700 trains need service and are unavailable for normal operation.
The disruption follows last week’s snow, which forced NS to implement a winter timetable starting Tuesday and extend it through the weekend. The operator now expects that Monday—and potentially longer—will see reduced train service. NS specifically noted that some travelers may need to transfer more often and experience longer travel times. “Trains may also be more crowded than travelers are used to,” the company said.
ProRail explained that many switches were immobilized during the frost to prevent them from freezing, leaving NS unable to move trains to repair locations. “Frost and snow have caused significant damage to infrastructure and rolling stock,” ProRail said. Half of the switches were out of use during the freezing period and now require inspection.
The overnight thaw from Sunday to Monday poses additional risks, including water damage, condensation on electrical components, and malfunctions caused by salt at level crossings. NS warned that icy conditions and frost on overhead lines could affect the morning commute.
NS anticipates that by Tuesday it will be able to operate as close to the regular schedule as possible, though conditions may still cause some disruptions.
As of Sunday, NS trains continue to run under the winter timetable. Travelers face frequent transfers, longer journeys, and potentially crowded trains. Specific routes remain heavily affected, including Maastricht to Liège, ’s-Hertogenbosch to Eindhoven, ’s-Hertogenbosch to Tilburg, Sittard to Heerlen and Maastricht, Utrecht to Hilversum, Weesp, Groningen to Eemshaven, and Alkmaar to Hoorn. Several routes also experience reduced Intercity service due to signal or switch failures.
Ongoing maintenance and work on key lines add to the disruptions. Projects affecting travelers include Groningen to Leer until June 30, Arnhem to Duisburg and Düsseldorf until Feb. 7, Heerlen to Aachen Hbf until March 6, Amsterdam to Enkhuizen until Jan. 19, and multiple lines around Schiphol and Amsterdam with extra travel time or rerouted service. International services, including EuroCity trains to Brussels and Nightjet 403 to Zürich, are operating on adjusted routes or skipping stops due to maintenance.
