ProRail recorded 586 serious disruptions on the Dutch railway network last year, the infrastructure manager reports in its annual report. The figure marks the first time the number of major disruptions has exceeded the agreed maximum of 520.
The number of impactful disruptions has been rising for years. In 2025, 507 incidents were recorded and this rose by about 16 percent in 2025, reaching 586. ProRail had already warned in November that the 2025 target would not be met.
Disruptions caused by third parties were the biggest source of nuisance, accounting for 44 percent of cases. These include people, vehicles, and animals on the tracks. Technical problems followed closely behind, causing 42 percent of major disruptions.
Incidents such as a malfunction in the Willemsspoortunnel in Rotterdam and a collision near Bunnik between a train and a construction crane had a major impact in 2025. ProRail expects disruptions to become more likely in the coming years due to delays in construction work caused by staff shortages.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
