Rail Cargo Group (RCG) presents effective multimodal solutions for cargo transportation, establishing direct connections between Bratislava and Budapest with freight terminals in Istanbul (Halkali) and Köseköy, creating links across Europe and the CIS countries. This innovative service enables businesses to transport goods to and from CIS countries using land transport. RCG provides regular departures on a fixed schedule with appealing transit times and flexible handling options, regardless of whether the company has its own platform.
RCG offers international door-to-door service, specifically designed for beverage sector goods. The process involves loading containers in the Netherlands, truck transportation to the Neuss departure terminal in Germany, and then rail transport via the TransFER Neuss–Budapest and TransFER Budapest–Istanbul connections. Upon arrival in Istanbul, goods are reloaded at the Halkali freight terminal – depending on customer needs, either in covered or refrigerated trucks (also known as Frigo-Trucks). Customs processing for subsequent transport also takes place here. The goods are then transported from Turkey through Georgia and Azerbaijan by truck to Almaty, Kazakhstan. In addition to road and rail transport, sea vessels are also utilized, as goods are transported by ferry across the Caspian Sea.
A key feature is the use of the 14-kilometer Marmaray Tunnel under the Bosporus, connecting the 43-kilometer stretch on the Asian side and the 19-kilometer stretch on the European side of Turkey. This exclusive tunnel for RCG ensures uninterrupted cargo transport between continents, even at night when local transport is not operational. RCG is the sole end-to-end rail logistics specialist permitted to transit semi-trailers, 45ft HC containers, and swap bodies through the Marmaray Tunnel. Currently, RCG is transporting intermodal trains with craneable trailers for an automotive customer from Europe to Asia through this remarkable tunnel.
Image source: https://www.railcargo.com/en/news/multimodal-turkey-connections