Turkey remains a key logistics hub between Europe and Asia, and ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) continues to expand and optimize its routes. An important innovation is the replacement of the TransFER Sladkovicovo–Istanbul route with TransFER Sopron–Istanbul. This has increased the frequency of transportation to two times per week, improved planning, and increased the efficiency of transportation on the first and last legs of the route.
DB Cargo UK is launching the upgrade of its Class 66 locomotives to the ETCS train control system in partnership with Siemens Mobility. This is the first stage of a national programme aimed at digitalising rail services and improving safety. The project is part of the £1.4bn East Coast Digital Programme, which will replace traditional signalling systems with digital ones that feed information directly into the cab for drivers.
Ukrzaliznytsia’s subsidiary UZ Cargo Poland has become an associate member of the International Association Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). This step strengthens the company’s position in the freight market and expands its capabilities in the field of international logistics.
The Estonian Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (TTJA) has confirmed that the environmental assessment of the Rail Baltica route on the Tootsi-Pärnu section meets all requirements. This decision paves the way for the construction of this railway segment, ensuring a balance between modern infrastructure and environmental protection. The 320-metre-long route crosses the Pärnu River and passes through forest areas, agricultural land and an industrial area, integrating with existing transport corridors.
DB Cargo UK has made its Cricklewood terminal in North London the UK’s first zero-emission rail freight terminal. The company has upgraded the facility to run entirely on renewable energy and introduce cutting-edge environmental technology. This includes one of Europe’s largest green noise barriers, reducing noise and pollution while also creating a habitat for wildlife.
The funding is part of the Sustainable and Digital Transport Support Program under the Recovery Plan, aimed at improving rail freight operations and infrastructure.
By the end of March, traffic on the second track on the Dostyk-Beskol section will be launched in Kazakhstan. This 166-kilometer section is part of the large-scale Dostyk-Moiynty project aimed at developing the country’s railway infrastructure.
Italy is preparing to significantly boost its Ferrobonus programme, increasing funding by €60 million in 2025-2026. The current plan is to allocate €22 million annually until 2026, but the government plans to add another €30 million for each of the following two years. The measure is aimed at supporting rail freight transport, in line with its strategy to reduce harmful emissions and eco-modernise the transport sector.
German rail operator Deutsche Bahn faces a major funding shortfall for the modernization and expansion of its network in the coming decade. According to documents for the company’s Supervisory Board, around €80 billion will be needed by 2034 to upgrade existing infrastructure, rebuild key transport corridors and digitalize. However, if new construction and accelerated digitalization are taken into account, the costs could rise to €150 billion.
