Building While the Wheels Are Turning

"It is often said that you see each other twice in life, but in our business field, it is more likely three or four times," describes Sebastian Glöckner, CEO of eba-consult GmbH, the market position of his company: "As railway project supervisors, with few exceptions, we work exclusively for Deutsche Bahn. The majority of our orders, therefore, are won through corresponding public tenders. In this context, we engage as experts primarily in the construction engineering of track systems, including overhead line equipment and 50 Hz systems, as well as in signaling and control technology." Trades in which, given the undeniable need for investment in the German rail network as well as the impulses of the special funds of the federal government, a significantly increasing demand is expected in the coming years, as also confirmed by Sebastian Glöckner: "Especially with the high-performance corridors, the available market offer of supervisory services will probably not be sufficient to meet the demand. Already, capacities in our industry are at the limit, if not already exceeded. That's why I'm pleased that last year a comparatively large number of people completed the relevant training – because it is not trivial in view of the high safety requirements and the technical complexity." eba-consult has also been able to gain about a dozen trainees in recent years – for a job that is not only responsible but also demanding: "Deutsche Bahn earns its money with moving trains, not stationary ones. Therefore, construction work is ideally scheduled for weekends, holidays, or nighttime – where our supervisors must then be present on-site," explains Sebastian Glöckner.

Rail-bashing is out of place

Special complexities are meanwhile also caused by the intricate planning and permitting processes and the often decided changes in regulations during ongoing procedures. However, Sebastian Glöckner does not want to unequivocally join in on rail-bashing: "Originally, I led a department in a construction company within the rail context and thus long thought that construction was the most difficult part – until I later worked for Deutsche Bahn myself for eight years, where this perception quickly changed. Since then, I know the many steps required before construction activity can even begin. Of course, the railway could make things easier for themselves – but the system has grown this way, and it cannot be changed with a sweeping overhaul, even if one wanted to."