2024 was one of the most challenging years for ÖBB Rail Cargo Group: the economic downturn, increased competition from road transport and the devastating autumn floods dealt a serious blow to the business. Although the company managed to maintain financial stability in the first half of the year, the flooding of key railway lines in Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary led to large-scale disruptions and significant losses.
RCG’s revenue for the year increased by 3% to EUR 1.97 billion, but pre-tax profit turned negative for the first time since 2011 – minus EUR 24.5 million (in 2023: +13 million). Despite the difficulties, the company transported 78.5 million tonnes of freight, operating 420,000 journeys – around 1,150 trains daily.
However, RCG continues to expand: in 2024, the company began operating its own traction in the Netherlands and opened a joint venture in Serbia. Digital integration with the award-winning Transporeon platform has facilitated the transition from road to rail. In 2025, RCG aims to increase the share of rail freight, despite the ongoing recession and limited public funding.