Dutch Rail Network Faces Maintenance Backlog After Severe Cold Snap

The Dutch national railway, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), is currently facing a significant backlog in train maintenance due to severe cold and heavy snowfall experienced last week. The adverse weather conditions hindered the movement of trains to maintenance facilities, resulting in approximately 700 train carriages awaiting repairs, a substantial increase from the usual 400 carriages. As a consequence, NS has announced that it will operate fewer trains on seven key routes, reducing the frequency of Intercity trains from six per hour to four on routes including Schiphol-Utrecht-Nijmegen and Amsterdam-Zuid-The Hague.

NS faces week-long maintenance backlog after cold snap; Fewer trains on key routesDutch trains return to normal schedule Tuesday after a week of snow disruptionsRail services disruption after snow: Netherlands and Germany recover

Despite the challenges, NS and ProRail, the infrastructure manager, have begun to restore services. As of January 13, 2026, most trains are expected to operate according to a regular timetable, although some routes may still experience reduced service due to ongoing maintenance issues. ProRail has indicated that while trains are running smoothly, the overall capacity remains fragile, with certain local services still operating less frequently and some international connections not fully restored.

Rail services disruption after snow: Netherlands and Germany recover

The recovery process is complicated by the need for extensive inspections of the rail infrastructure. ProRail reported that roughly half of the centrally operated switches were taken out of service during the cold snap to enhance reliability. These switches must now be inspected before being returned to operation, a task that spans over 7,000 kilometers of track. Additionally, the thawing conditions present new risks, including potential flooding, condensation in electrical systems, and rust on unused tracks and switches, which could lead to further disruptions.

Rail services disruption after snow: Netherlands and Germany recover

Passengers have been advised to expect crowded trains and potential delays as the backlog in maintenance continues to affect service availability. NS has acknowledged that while most trains will operate normally, the number of trains needed for a full schedule is not yet available. Travelers are encouraged to use the NS travel planner for real-time updates and to remain aware of possible service disruptions throughout the week.

Dutch trains return to normal schedule Tuesday after a week of snow disruptionsRail services disruption after snow: Netherlands and Germany recoverNS faces week-long maintenance backlog after cold snap; Fewer trains on key routes

• “After last week’s heavy snowfall and frost, the situation on the tracks is largely normal from Tuesday, January 13.” — ProRail

Dutch trains return to normal schedule Tuesday after a week of snow disruptions

• “The aftermath of the frost and snow over the past days means the number of trains needed for the full schedule is not yet available,” — NS

Dutch trains return to normal schedule Tuesday after a week of snow disruptions

As recovery efforts continue, both NS and ProRail are closely monitoring the situation, particularly with additional snowfall forecasted in parts of northern Europe. Passengers are advised to stay informed through digital journey planners and prepare for possible further disruptions as the rail network works to regain full operational capacity.

Dutch trains return to normal schedule Tuesday after a week of snow disruptions