Rail network operator ProRail has warned passengers to expect another two years of disruption after a record number of serious incidents this year.

The total for 2025 has passed the threshold of 520 “high-impact” incidents which ProRail is legally obliged to stay below for the first time, with six weeks of the year still to go.

CEO John Voppen told AD.nl it was likely to be until 2027 before the company brought the figure back down below 520. He blamed a combination of factors, including IT problems, shortages of trained personnel and the impact of climate change.

ProRail cited as an example problems with the computer system on March 31 in the Rotterdam area, which delayed trains between Leiden and Breda for several hours.

Animals on the line, including badgers, swans, wolves and two kangaroos, have also caused delays. Nearly 5,500 pedestrians have been recorded on the tracks this year and some 200 people took their own lives on the railways.

Another problem is the company’s dependence on ageing technical systems. “We have long-term contracts at the moment with maintenance companies that basically do a good job, but we lack flexibility,” Voppen said.

ProRail is also training around 120 installation technicians to address a shortfall that has held up large-scale projects such as the modernisation of Groningen station.

Voppen said the company was likely to exceed the threshold again next year, but it was investing in new digital infrastructure to monitor defects, speed up repairs and protect the network against IT failures and cyberattacks.

“Money is an important factor in keeping the railways in good condition, but it doesn’t solve everything,” he said. “It’s equally important for us to train up technical staff and that rules are relaxed.”