Railway-compatible UAS operation over DB InfraGO AG railway facilities
From now on, UAS-operation can be carried out over DB InfraGO AG railway facilities under certain conditions and with prior approval.
The Federal Ministry of Transport, together with DB InfraGO AG, has published requirements that ensure the safe and railway-compatible use of UAS in the geographical UAS area “railway facility.”
The background to this is the growing use of drones for inspections, surveys, and technical tests.
The requirements for railway-compatible UAS operation take sufficient account of the particular dangers of flying over railway facilities. Planned flights can thus be carried out in such a way that there are no significant technical or operational risks for the railway facilities and rail traffic.
By taking these requirements into account, railway operations are not impaired and neither staff nor passengers are endangered.
The requirements for railway-compatible UAS operation have been assessed by the risk owner for the safety of InfraGO AG's railway systems (security management) in cooperation with DB AG's central UAS department as part of a risk analysis, taking into account European legal requirements for air and rail transport. A qualified team of experts from the fields of security, occupational safety, overhead lines, vehicle technology, and internal UAS operators was assembled to determine the hazards and assess the risks.
Please note NfL 2026-3788: