Exclusive interview with Niko Warbanoff, CEO, Deutsche Bahn E.C.O. Group

In an exclusive interview with Urban Transport News, Niko Warbanoff, CEO of the DB E.C.O. Group, shares his vision for the future of urban transport, his leadership journey at Deutsche Bahn (DB), and the company’s growing impact in global mobility solutions, especially in India. With over 14 years of experience at DB, Warbanoff’s career has been marked by a series of transformative milestones, from overseeing strategic mergers to expanding DB’s operations into international markets. His leadership has been instrumental in the creation of DB E.C.O. Group, which now stands as a major player in the integrated mobility sector, combining engineering, consulting, operations, and digital solutions to deliver innovative, sustainable, and efficient transport infrastructure worldwide.

Warbanoff’s recent visit to India highlighted the company’s significant role in the Namo Bharat project, India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), and offered valuable insights into the country’s burgeoning urban transport landscape. Under his leadership, DB E.C.O. Group has contributed to key metro and rail projects in India, including major developments in Bhopal, Indore, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, further cementing India as a crucial market in DB’s global strategy. In this interview, Warbanoff discusses how DB E.C.O. Group plans to further expand its presence in India, leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies, sustainable solutions, and strategic partnerships to support the country’s rapid urbanization and mobility needs.

Reflecting on your 14-year journey with DB E.C.O. Group, what key milestones have shaped your leadership philosophy?

My leadership journey has been defined by several key milestones. The transformation from DB International to DB E.C.O. Group was a major turning point, broadening our scope from engineering and consulting to operations and digital solutions. Expanding internationally, with landmark projects like the Doha Metro and India’s Namo Bharat, India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), reinforced the need for agility, innovation, and a long-term vision. Over time, I saw the need to expand our services to operations, digital solutions, and sustainability-driven projects. This led to the formation of DB E.C.O. Group, allowing us to become a fully integrated mobility solutions provider with a global presence.

DB E.C.O. Group has grown significantly in recent years, achieving record revenues. What are the key factors contributing to this success?

Our growth comes down to a few key things: securing large-scale national and international projects, seamlessly integrating engineering with operations, and investing in digital solutions. Strategic acquisitions have strengthened our expertise, and our customer-first approach keeps us ahead in a competitive industry. Sustainability, innovation, and collaboration are at the core of everything we do. By combining smart infrastructure, digital engineering, and data-driven asset management, we’re able to deliver efficient, future-proof mobility solutions while staying environmentally responsible and financially strong.

Could you elaborate on the significance of the acquisitions of infraView GmbH, ESE Engineering und Software-Entwicklung GmbH, and inno2grid GmbH in strengthening DB E.C.O. Group's digital capabilities?

InfraView has strengthened our ability to use AI-driven monitoring and predictive maintenance, allowing us to improve rail infrastructure efficiency and reliability as well as optimization rail operations. ESE brings cutting-edge software development expertise, helping us advance digital railway operations and automation. Meanwhile, inno2grid is a key player in smart urban mobility and energy systems, supporting our commitment to sustainability and integrated transport solutions. What makes these acquisitions particularly exciting is how they complement each other. Together, they enable us to offer more seamless, data-driven, and future-proof mobility solutions. This is a great example of how digitalization is transforming our industry, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of that evolution.

What are your key observations from your recent visit to India regarding the country's urban transport infrastructure development?

India is making huge strides in urban transport, and my visit to see the progress of the Namo Bharat was truly inspiring. The fact that passengers will be able to travel from Meerut to Delhi in just 40 minutes instead of two and a half hours by car is a game-changer. It’s not just about speed—it’s about making daily life easier, reducing congestion, and connecting people to their workplaces and families more efficiently.

What really stood out to me was the level of reliability the system has already achieved. With 99% punctuality and 100% train availability, it’s setting new standards—not just for India but internationally. And the fact that DB E.C.O. Group, through DB RRTS, has played a key role in building and operating this from the ground up since mid-2022 is something I’m incredibly proud of.

Another exciting aspect is how closely we’re working with our Indian partners to share knowledge and expertise. The digital innovations we’re using here could very well shape the future of rail transport back in Germany and beyond. This project is a perfect example of how sustainable, well-planned transport solutions can have a massive impact, and I believe it’s just the beginning of an exciting transformation in India’s mobility landscape.

What opportunities does DB E.C.O. Group see in the Indian market, and what strategies are you implementing to capitalize on these opportunities?

India is one of the most exciting markets for the future of sustainable and digital rail transport. With rapid urbanization and increasing demand for efficient mobility solutions, we see tremendous potential in railway modernization, metro expansion, and digital innovations. Our goal is not just to support these developments but to be a long-term partner in shaping India’s transport transformation. Just last year in October, our subsidiary DB Engineering & Consulting launched the Urban Mobility Competence Hub (UMCH) with the European Investment Bank in Delhi, India. The cooperation aims to address India's urban mobility needs as the country's urban population is projected to more than double by 2050. The hub will improve the quality and sustainability of urban mobility projects with comprehensive project preparation, appraisal, implementation and monitoring services.

Another perfect example of this collaboration is the DB Design Centre in Bangalore, which plays a crucial role in our global operations. With a team of over 300 experts specializing in structural engineering, digitalization, and Building Information Modeling, this centre supports critical projects in Germany, including the Digital Node Stuttgart. Their work in modernizing legacy rail infrastructure, delivering digital plans with remarkable precision, and even contributing to Germany’s workforce through cross-border recruitment highlights how deeply integrated our collaboration has become.

What kind of technologies and solutions does DB E.C.O. Group have, which can be implemented in India to improve the Indian Urban transport sector?

We bring expertise in digital twins, predictive maintenance, and AI-powered traffic management. Our experience with autonomous metro systems, energy-efficient rail solutions, and integrated mobility platforms can significantly enhance India’s urban transport efficiency and sustainability.

One key area where we’re making a big impact is through our involvement in the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, India’s first regional rail system. We're helping maintain some of the most advanced technologies ever deployed in India, and these systems are really shaping the future of rail transport.

Here we're managing the first-ever ETCS Level 2/3 Hybrid Signaling system in India, which replaces traditional trackside signals with a wireless, real-time communication link between trains and control centers. This allows for better train speed optimization and safer operations. We’re also managing India’s first LTE-based communication system for trains, which provides instant updates and ensures secure, low-latency communication across the network.

All of this experience isn’t just benefiting India—it’s helping us build valuable expertise that we can apply to projects in Germany and other countries. By sharing knowledge across borders, we’re ensuring that the insights we gain in India will have a lasting impact on transport systems worldwide.

How is DB E.C.O. Group addressing the challenges of sustainable and resilient urban mobility?

We’re tackling these challenges by developing energy-efficient transport solutions, integrating renewable energy, and using smart data analytics to optimize urban mobility. Our focus isn’t just on reducing carbon footprints—it’s about making transport networks more resilient, adaptable, and future-proof. By leveraging digital innovations and sustainable design, we’re helping cities build mobility systems that are both efficient and environmentally responsible.

What role do you see digital technologies playing in the future of railway and urban transport infrastructure?

Digital technologies will be at the heart of the future of rail and urban transport. AI-driven predictive maintenance, IoT-enabled monitoring, and real-time passenger information systems will make mobility safer, more efficient, and more user-friendly. Big data will help optimize operations, reduce delays, and improve asset management. As rail networks become more connected and automated, digital solutions will be essential in creating smarter, more sustainable, and more passenger-centric transport systems.

What are the biggest challenges that you have faced during your 14 years of tenure, and how did you overcome them?

There have been many challenges, from managing complex international projects to ensuring financial stability while adapting to rapid industry changes. Staying ahead required a resilient and adaptive leadership approach, continuous investment in innovation, and strong global partnerships, especially with our customers. If you ask me personally, then I have an easy answer for you: my passion for rail is driving me day by day to give my best.