Rail Summit in Prague: Rail Freight Leaders Push for Innovation and Capacity Improvements

Last week, key players from the European rail freight industry gathered at the Rail Summit in Prague to discuss urgent challenges and future improvements. Representatives from six European countries and Brussels came together to focus on the industry's need for innovation and better infrastructure.

The summit featured several major organizations, including AROS from Slovakia, ERFA from Belgium, ČD Cargo from the Czech Republic, HUPAC from Switzerland, METRANS from the Czech Republic, and Netzwerk Europäischer Eisenbahnen from Austria and Germany. Key participants included Michail Stahlhut of HUPAC, Peter Kiss of METRANS, and Neele Wesseln from Netzwerk Europäischer Eisenbahnen Germany, among others.

One of the biggest concerns raised was about the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) and the European Train Control System (ETCS). Many attendees felt that the focus has shifted from the original goals of improving connectivity, increasing capacity, and enhancing safety to just spending huge amounts of money on these technologies. The participants agreed that it's time to rethink these projects to make sure they truly benefit the industry.

The summit also highlighted the need to keep rail freight moving even while Europe's rail network is being upgraded. The Prague Resolution, a document shared at the event, called for safeguarding 80% of rail capacity during construction work and limiting the length of detours to a maximum of 50 kilometers. It also suggested that the cost of these detours should be included in the Track Access Charges.

At the end of the summit, Peter Kiss of METRANS stressed the importance of continued cooperation among European rail freight associations. He stated, "This should not be the last meeting; only by working together can we achieve more."

Source: METRANS; RAILTARGET