Multimodal rail freight / day must be developed in Europe

In addition, he emphasized the need to establish new regional multifunctional terminals in order to create closer cooperation between road transport and railway, as well as linking regional transport.

« There are not many multifunctional terminals in Europe, and this is a challenge. The issue may not be just about public funding, but if it is not possible to provide a service for a single cargo unit, it is not sustainable, » Kruger added.

He explained that in many countries it was assumed that there is no need to build a railway connection to the terminal, if there are trucks, but he thought new thinking is needed.

Meanwhile, Rinalds Plavnieks, Member of the Board of SJSC « Latvijas dzelzceļš » (LDz), said at the Congress that several railway companies in Europe, taking into account the industry transformation, are looking for strategies and opportunities to attract new cargo, and try to understand whether the railway will focus on passenger transport or loads.

At the same time, UDO Zauerbrew, a spokesman for the German company Railistics, said one of the most important rail projects in Europe is Rail Baltica, which will be the new economic corridor, and will improve military mobility.

However, he stressed that this was not a cheap project, as the long line of about 900 kilometers (km) could cost € 20 to 25 billion. « Such costs are a big burden on the country, although most funding is attracted from external funds. Whether this flow of funding will continue – no one knows at the moment, » Zauerbrew said.

He added that another challenge for the Rail Baltica project is mixed lines – at the same time, passenger high -speed transport and freight transport, which will increase railway maintenance costs. « If the maximum speed for passenger trains was lower, the maintenance costs would be lower. This decision has already been made, so ways to reduce construction costs and future operating costs are now being sought, » Zauerbrew said.

LETA has already reported that the IBS Congress is taking place in Riga on Thursday about the possibilities of strengthening railway connections between the Baltic States and other European countries.

The IBS is an international association of rail freight companies, established in 1996 and brings together members of the railway industry. Its main goal is to promote international rail freight transport, improve the efficiency of logistics chains and promote cooperation between companies and institutions.