Rhine-Alpine News
13.11.2024
Volker Wissing to remain as Germany’s Transport Minister
Germany is grappling with political instability as the governing coalition unravels. Transport Minister Volker Wissing, a member of the FDP, has decided to leave the party but remain in his government role as a non-party member under Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Wissing emphasized his commitment to remain true to himself and the core values of the FDP, while also calling on the party to act responsibly for democracy.
The political instability in Germany raises doubts about the inclusion of the necessary funds in the federal budget for the 320 million € subsidy program approved by the European Commission earlier this year.
Source:
Switzerland greenlights 80 million euro investment in French railway line
Symbolic picture by Silberkugel66 on Pixabay
The Swiss federal government has approved an 80 million euro investment in French railway infrastructure, focusing on the Metz to Strasbourg railway from Basel. Switzerland is seeking alternative routes to secure traffic along the Rhine-Alphine TEN-T corridor due to limitations on the German network and ongoing renovations. In 2024, Hupac successfully diverted 20 freight trains a day along a non-electrified line between Wörth am Rhein and Strasbourg. Switzerland now seeks more options in France and is investing in the Metz – Strasbourg – Basel line, which is already electrified but needs to accommodate intermodal traffic.
Source:
VNF, SNCF Réseau and Port of Strasbourg promote modal shift
Symbolic picture by Geralt on Pixabay
VNF and SNCF Réseau are cooperating with the Port of Strasbourg to promote modal shift programs encouraging local industry to use rail and river transport instead of road.
Since 2022, the Laboratory for Rhine Multimodal Innovation (LIMR) initiative has identified 360,000 t of goods suitable for modal transfer. LIMR will become the Rhine Multimodal Innovation Club (CIMR) after a review meeting in Strasbourg on November 7. CIMR will bring shippers, carriers, and logistics providers together to develop multimodal solutions. On March 6, 2025, the inaugural CIMR summit will establish sustainable, low-carbon logistics linkages throughout the region.
Source: