Rail manager ProRail has been fined 2.75 million euros because there were too many disruptions last year with major consequences for the timetable. That’s in one Letter to Parliament(opens in new window) from State Secretary Bertram of Infrastructure and Water Management.

In 2025 there were 586 disruptions. This is more than the maximum of 520 disruptions that ProRail had agreed with the ministry. In 2024, ProRail remained below that limit with 507 disruptions.

According to the rail manager, there are various causes for the increasing number of disruptions. ProRail had no direct influence on some of this, for example in the case of copper theft or collisions with people or vehicles.

Problems with the technology also led to disruptions. In recent years, for example, there have been regular defective points, problems with the overhead lines or signal failures.

Last year, the then State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management Aartsen informed the House of Representatives that technical disruptions on the railway have become more common in recent years. According to Aartsen, this is because there is not always sufficient equipment or personnel available for maintenance.

ProRail also cites the “imperfect maintenance market” as an important reason for the high number of disruptions in 2025. A spokesperson told NOS that they are having constructive discussions with the ministry about reducing the number of disruptions.

In addition to the disruptions on the national track, the ministry is also critical of the reliability of train traffic on the regional track. There were also regular disruptions and delays.

Yet ProRail will not be fined for this, because the problems were mainly the result of delays abroad. According to the ministry, ProRail has no influence on this.

The State Secretary is satisfied with the NS. Trains often ran on time, were not too busy and travelers appreciated the service. Bertram still sees room for improvement regarding punctuality and the chance of a seat.