Rhine-Alpine News
08.01.2025
Strengthening Connectivity: Italy’s Strategic Railway Projects Enhance the NSRM Corridor
Picture provided by Regione Lombardia
Regione Lombardia is making significant progress on railway projects to improve connectivity along the North Sea Rhine Mediterranean Corridor.
The MXP North rail access project, a cornerstone development, has surpassed the 75% completion mark, creating a crucial double-track railway connection linking Milan Malpensa Airport’s Terminal 2 to the national railway network (RFI Simplon line) with a branch of 4.6 km to Gallarate node, plus another branch of 1.1 km of a new connection in North direction. The €264.5 million investment, funded through a collaborative effort involving regional, national, and EU funds, will reduce travel time between Terminal 2 and Gallarate to just 7 minutes. The project is part of a €63.4 million funding program from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
In February 2024, construction began on a strategic rail link connecting Bergamo Station to Orio al Serio Airport, a €209.46 million investment funded by Italian State resources through the PNRR (Next Generation EU) program. The link will offer frequent service with trains running every 10 minutes, improving access to Orio al Serio Airport.
These projects are crucial in achieving full integration between the Mediterranean Corridor and the North Sea-Rhine-Mediterranean Corridor, enhancing regional accessibility and strengthening the broader European transport network.
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Massive restructuring of French Railfreight: Fret SNCF split into Hexafret and Technis
Symbolic picture by Silberkugel66 on Pixabay
French state-owned Fret SNCF has been replaced by Hexafret and Technis, taking over operations and maintenance tasks. The move was initiated by the European Commission’s investigation into possible illegal state aid. The French government implemented a massive restructuring, giving up 20% of the company’s traffic and laying off around 500 workers. Many services were distributed among private operators, including DB Cargo France.
French trade unions protested Fret SNCF’s discontinuation, leading to strikes. However, the impact on rail freight remains limited. Some predict that replacing Fret SNCF with Hexafret and Technis won’t end illegal state aid, and shifting to single wagonload services may be costly for the segment.
Technis, a new entity taking over Fret SNCF maintenance operations, faces issues with its name, as there is already a French company with the same name that cooperates with SNCF Group.
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The EGTC RALP demand for increased German Rail development is receiving widespread attention
Symbolic picture by Erwin van der Linden
The position paper of the German partners of the Interregional Alliance for the Rhine-Alpine Corridor is gaining broader recognition.
This increased attention is evidenced by two recent news articles that highlight the growing momentum for accelerated rail infrastructure expansion in the region. The recent press release from the Regional Association Frankfurt RheinMain provides more detailed insights into the demands for accelerated rail development. This publication was picked up by Stern and brought to the attention of a wider public, and underscores the importance of this European transport axis and its role in connecting major economic centers.
Both sources stress the urgency of enhancing rail capacity and efficiency, not just for regional benefits but also for strengthening the entire Rhine-Alpine Corridor.
This coordinated push from German partners, now receiving wider media coverage, demonstrates a growing consensus on the need for swift action to improve rail infrastructure. The increased publicity surrounding these efforts suggests that the position paper’s recommendations are resonating beyond the immediate stakeholders. This broader recognition could lead to more support and resources for the ambitious rail expansion plans along the Rhine-Alpine Corridor, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and sustainable European transport network.
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