Hiccup for German high-speed line on 1st regular service day

German rail operator Deutsche Bahn has experienced an embarrassing delay on the first regular day of operations for its new high-speed rail line connecting Berlin and Munich.

A train from Munich to the German capital suffered technical trouble in Nuremberg on Sunday and had to be moved onto a slower line. It arrived in Berlin two hours later than planned.

A train carrying VIPs to Munich was similarly delayed on Friday.

Trains on the high-speed line travel at speeds up to 300 kph (185 mph) and are meant to complete the journey in under four hours as compared to the six hours it took previously.

Deutsche Bahn has an almost complete monopoly on long-distance rail travel within Germany. It has seen growing competition from airlines and buses in recent years.