Embattled German rail operator Deutsche Bahn suffered a net loss of €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) in the first half of 2024 – a period marred by strikes, weather extremes and construction havoc – the state-owned company reported on Thursday. By comparison, the corresponding loss last year was €71 million, after deduction of interest and income tax. However, the company had made numerous investments in infrastructure last year, meaning that significant government repayments are expected in 2024. Deutsche Bahn chief executive Richard Lutz said that by the end of the year, he expected the rail oper…