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Polish Rail Project Obtains Eur 450 Million FinancingThe European Investment Bank (EIB) and PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PKP PLK) have concluded a new loan agreement worth PLN 2 billion (EUR 450 million) for the modernisation of No.8 railway line in southern Poland.
“The expansion of rail connections is particularly important because it contributes to improved mobility and regional development, while also supporting the climate and environment. The EIB and PLK SA have a long-standing partnership for sustainable rail connections. The latest agreement will improve passenger services and freight transport in southern Poland, and we expect further stages of our cooperation soon,” said EIB Vice-President, Professor Teresa Czerwińska.
The project involves the modernisation of the Skarżysko-Kamienna – Kielce Główne – Kozłów section of railway line No. 8 and includes, among other things, the replacement of platforms, tracks, traction network, and train traffic control systems, as well as the construction of new viaducts and underground passages.
Modern platforms will be constructed at stations and stops, ensuring full accessibility for people with reduced mobility. New grade-separated junctions will be built, and upgraded equipment at level crossings will also enhance safety. By increasing train speeds to 120 km/h and adding extra tracks at stations, the capacity of this section will be significantly improved.
The route, which connects the Świętokrzyskie region along the north-south axis, will offer new opportunities for the transport of both passengers and goods.
This strategic investment for the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship entails the complete reconstruction and modernisation of railway infrastructure along the most important route in the region, linking Kielce with Kraków, Łódź, Radom, and Warsaw, and playing a crucial role in freight transport across this part of Poland.
The comprehensive upgrade of infrastructure on the region’s primary railway route will enhance the safety and capacity of the line, which is vital for freight transport in the area. Higher train speeds and better rail access will positively impact the sustainable development of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship.
“We continue to strengthen the Polish economy through new, multi-billion-zloty investments in the railway. We actively make use of external sources of financing, as exemplified by this latest agreement with the EIB. Recently, PLK SA has launched tenders worth almost PLN 30 billion [EUR 7 billion],” said Małgorzata Kuczewska-Łaska, Member of the Management Board of PLK SA.
The modernisation of No.8 railway line in southern Poland is essential, as it is one of the region’s most important rail corridors. It will improve both passenger and freight transport services, while supporting climate and environmental goals through the development of sustainable regional transport. The investment promotes low-emission transport and the development of the Świętokrzyskie region, contributing to the European Union’s climate and cohesion policy objectives.
The project, titled “Works on railway line No. 8 on the Skarżysko-Kamienna – Kielce – Kozłów section”, includes the modernisation of a key transport route for the region. The undertaking is divided into three stages. The design documentation for the Skarżysko-Kamienna – Tumlin and Sitkówka Nowiny – Kozłów sections has already been completed, with co-financing from the European Union under the Infrastructure and Environment Operational Programme. PKP PLK is preparing the design documentation for the Sitkówka Nowiny – Tumlin section, which also includes Kielce Główne station.
In November 2024, PKP PLK began work on the southern section of railway line No. 8. This investment, worth over PLN 300 million (EUR 70 million), covers the modernisation of 11 km of track, along with the Kozłów station and the Klimontów stop. These works are scheduled for completion in 2027. A year later, the Polish rail infrastructure manager plans to complete work on the northern section of this railway line, between Skarżysko-Kamienna and Tumlin, for which the tender procedure is currently underway. This part of the investment is also seeking co-financing from the European Union under the European Funds for Eastern Poland programme. The entire project is part of the National Railway Programme, with completion expected by 2032.
In 2024, the EIB Group allocated over EUR 1.3 billion for local, regional, and national transport investments in Poland, representing over 20% of the Bank’s financing in the country last year. EIB lending to PKP PLK under 20 agreements concluded to date now exceeds EUR 4.6 billion. Other EIB clients include PKP Intercity, with the most recent rail investment in Poland concerning the modernisation of power supply systems. Further financing for new PKP Group projects is anticipated to total an additional EUR 1.3 billion.railway
Apr 17, 2025
Railway Pro
Renfe Offers Over 3.3 Million Seats For Easter Travel SurgeRenfe has announced the provision of more than 3.3 million seats across its rail services between Friday 11 April and Monday 21 April, in anticipation of high demand during the Easter holiday period. This represents an increase of 800,000 seats compared to Easter 2024, largely due to the addition of S106 trains and an expanded offering on Medium Distance and Avant services.
The enhanced capacity covers all AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Euromed, Intercity, Avant, Media Distancia, and AVE Internacional trains, with nearly 1.3 million seats specifically allocated to long-distance and high-speed services.
Between 11 and 13 April, Renfe recorded a total of 311,728 passengers on its commercial services — a 15.8% increase compared to the same period last year, when 269,276 passengers travelled between 22 and 24 March 2024.
To support this rise in demand, the operator has added nearly 60,200 extra seats through the deployment of 137 double-decker trains, focusing on the busiest corridors including Madrid–Barcelona, Madrid–Andalusia, and Madrid–Valencian Community. The highest concentration of passengers is expected on Wednesdays and Thursdays for outbound journeys, with return peaks on Sundays and Mondays.
Among the latest service updates is the launch of two new direct AVE trains between Barcelona, Madrid, and Málaga — one in each direction — which began operating on 8 April. Additionally, Renfe has scheduled four extra Avlo S106 services on the Barcelona–Madrid route and two more on the Madrid–Santiago de Compostela route, each providing 581 seats to support holiday travel.
Thanks to the introduction of special double-deck trains and the new S106 units, Renfe is offering over 8,600 additional seats on services linking Madrid with Castilla y León, Galicia, and Asturias.
For public service routes, more than two million seats are being made available on Avant and Media Distancia services. These are further supported by Cercanías and Rodalies commuter trains, which play a key role in providing access to cultural and leisure destinations in major cities throughout the Easter holidays.railway
Apr 15, 2025
Railway Pro
Cpkc Sells Panama Canal Railway CompanyCanadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (CPKC) has announced the sale of the Panama Canal Railway Company (PCRC) to APM Terminals, a global terminal operator and independent division of A.P. Moller – Maersk.
PCRC, which offers freight and passenger services along the Panama Canal, has operated as a 50/50 joint venture between CPKC subsidiary Kansas City Southern and Lanco Group/Mi-Jack since its inception in 1998. In 2024, the company reported revenue of USD 77 million and EBITDA of USD 36 million.
“We are pleased to have completed this transaction with APM Terminals, a part of A.P. Moller – Maersk, a key strategic partner of CPKC’s and major customer of the Panama Canal Railway Company,” said Keith Creel, CPKC President and Chief Executive Officer. “The sale of this non-core asset creates value for our shareholders and reflects our commitment to optimise our assets as we focus on growing our core North American rail business through our unrivalled three-nation network connecting Canada, the United States and Mexico.”
Mike Lanigan, Chief Executive Officer of Lanco Group/Mi-Jack, added: “Lanco is very proud to have worked with CPKC and A.P. Moller – Maersk over the past several years. Keith Creel and his group have been a pleasure to work with and I wish to congratulate APM Terminals on the purchase of the Panama Canal Railway. As we all know, Panama is a major transportation hub, and I am quite confident the container business will continue to grow under the leadership of APM Terminals.”
“PCRC represents an attractive infrastructure investment in the region aligned to our core services of intermodal container movement,” said Keith Svendsen, CEO of APM Terminals. “The company is highly regarded for its operational excellence and will provide a significant opportunity for us to offer a broader range of services to the global shipping customers we serve.”
PCRC was established following the award of a concession by the Republic of Panama to reconstruct and operate the Panama Canal Railway – a 47-mile route that runs adjacent to the Panama Canal, linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The railway forms a key part of Panama’s logistics infrastructure.
APM Terminals has over 50 years of experience in developing and managing advanced container terminals worldwide. The company currently operates in 60 strategic locations across 33 countries and employs approximately 33,000 people. In the Americas Region, APM Terminals operates 14 terminals in eight countries.railway
Apr 14, 2025
Railway Pro
Three Bidders For Prague Airport Rail Connection Ppp ProjectThree international consortia led by Vinci Railways, Gülermak Invest, and Strabag Motorway are the three bidders that have expressed interest interest for the Prague Airport rail connection public-private partnership (PPP) project.
These proposals have been submitted as part of Czechia’s first-ever PPP rail initiative, which concerns the selection of a concessionaire to design, build, finance, and maintain the planned railway connection. The project represents a significant step forward in the modernisation and expansion of the national rail network, with a particular focus on improving access to Václav Havel Airport Prague.
Správa železnic, the Czech national railway infrastructure manager, will now evaluate whether each of the bidders has met the necessary qualification criteria. Once this initial phase is completed, the competitive dialogue phase will commence. This phase is designed to allow the authority and the qualified bidders to discuss the project in more detail, enabling the preparation of final, optimised offers. Following these discussions, Správa železnic will select the most suitable partner to deliver and maintain the new infrastructure.
The strong interest shown by international bidders is seen as a positive signal by Správa železnic. It confirms the strategic importance of the airport rail link not only for Prague but also for the future of railway transport across the Czech Republic. In light of the challenging global economic environment, where international investment is often marked by heightened levels of uncertainty, the willingness of major global players to engage in this project is especially encouraging.
The planned project will include the reconstruction of existing railway lines and the construction of new double-track sections. Specifically, this includes the development of a double-track section between Praha-Veleslavín and Praha-Ruzyně stations, as well as a brand-new double-track extension leading directly to the Václav Havel Airport Prague railway station. This new station will also be constructed as part of the project. Additionally, a railway bypass will be built, creating a connecting link between the airport and the main Prague–Kladno railway line.
While the selected concessionaire will be responsible for the construction and maintenance of the infrastructure over a 25-year concession period, traffic control and dispatching responsibilities will remain with Správa železnic. Operations will be managed from the Central Dispatch Office located in Prague at Balabenka, ensuring consistent national oversight of rail traffic.
The project forms a central component of the wider modernisation of the Prague–Kladno railway corridor. As part of this initiative, the line will be fully electrified and upgraded with the European Train Control System (ETCS), a state-of-the-art signalling and control solution. Furthermore, all level crossings along the route will be eliminated in order to enhance safety and improve operational efficiency.
The estimated total cost of the project is approximately EUR 1.65 billion. Of this, the European Investment Bank (EIB) is considering a proposed financing package worth EUR 700 million. The remaining funding will be provided through a mix of public investment and private capital from the selected concessionaire.
In total, the modernisation and construction work will span almost 40 kilometres of railway. The timeline for delivery anticipates that construction will begin in 2025 and continue through to 2029. Once completed, the project is expected to offer significant improvements in connectivity and travel times. The journey from Prague city centre to the airport will be reduced to just 25 minutes, while the trip to the city of Kladno will take approximately 30 minutes.
This rail connection to Prague Airport marks a historic milestone, as it is the first railway project in the Czech Republic to be developed under a PPP model. Its principal objective is to secure a private sector partner not only to construct the railway infrastructure but also to maintain it efficiently over a long-term period. By doing so, the Czech Republic aims to deliver a modern, high-capacity rail link that meets international standards and serves both residents and visitors for decades to come.railway
Apr 14, 2025
Railway Pro
Railway Pact For Łódź SignedA Railway Pact for the Łódź Voivodeship has been signed by Poland’s Minister of Infrastructure, Dariusz Klimczak, the CEO of PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PLK), Piotr Wyborski, and the Marshal of the Łódź Voivodeship, Joanna Skrzydlewska.
The agreement focuses on enhancing cooperation in the planning and construction of new railway lines that will connect Bełchatów with Łódź, Piotrków Trybunalski with Tomaszów Mazowiecki, and Wieluń with both Chorzew Siemkowice and Bełchatów.
The Railway Pact for Łódź also includes the modernisation and revitalisation of existing infrastructure to improve rail connectivity—particularly between Zgierz and Kutno, Łódź and Opoczno, and Skierniewice.
“The expansion of the railway network in the Łódź Voivodeship is a key element of our strategy to increase the efficiency of both passenger and freight transport. Investments such as the construction of new routes will help create a new network of connections across the region and the country. Together, we will carry out analyses to improve capacity on key lines, contributing to the continued dynamic development of rail infrastructure,” said Marcin Mochocki, Director for Investment Implementation at PKP PLK.
The Pact highlights the pressing need to improve transport accessibility in the Łódź Voivodeship, reinforcing regional cohesion and capitalising on its central location.
“The development of rail infrastructure in the Łódź region will lead to better integration of regional connections, allowing for more efficient and effective travel between cities. This will offer residents more mobility options and enable businesses to transport goods more quickly and conveniently. Both major urban centres and smaller local communities will benefit,” said the CEO of PKP PLK at the signing ceremony.
The signatories have committed to maximising the potential of rail transport upon completion of strategically important investment projects. These include developments such as the Łódź Railway Junction, led by PLK in cooperation with Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK), along the Central Railway Line (CMK), which is currently under modernisation and expansion works, including the deployemtn of ETCS, all subprojects expected to be completed in 2026. This includes the construction of Biała Rawska station and is supported by funding from the European Funds for Łódź 2021–2027 programme. Additionally, other rail initiatives in the province are being implemented under the Kolej Plus programme, running through to 2029 and financed jointly by the state and local authorities.
“Our region is undergoing a transport revolution. Major projects such as the high-speed railway and the construction of two tunnels beneath the centre of Łódź are opening up new opportunities for social, cultural, and economic development. However, these investments must be complemented by regional connections—‘tributaries’ that support the main lines. The Railway Pact for Łódź responds to the region’s dynamic transformation. This tripartite commitment will provide us with a concrete action plan for the coming years,” said the Marshal of the Łódź Voivodeship during the ceremony held on 9 April 2025.
The aim of the Railway Pact for Łódź is to ensure synergy between regional and long-distance rail connections, enabling more effective provincial and interprovincial transport.
“Together with local authorities and PLK, we will work to ensure synergy between regional and long-distance routes by balancing strategic investments already underway. Increasing the region’s transport accessibility will strengthen its internal cohesion and optimise the use of its geographical, central location,” said the Minister of Infrastructure.
Future actions and investment priorities will be determined based on the results of the agglomeration junction planning study.
As funding becomes available, the Łódź Voivodeship and PKP PLK will enter into further agreements to initiate project studies and documentation for two potential railway axes: one connecting Bełchatów with Łódź, and the other linking Piotrków Trybunalski and Tomaszów Mazowiecki.
Additionally, the Voivodeship authorities intend to pursue the launch of a fast rail connection on the Łódź–Tomaszów Mazowiecki–Warsaw route. These projects will be co-financed by funds available to the signatories of the Railway Pact. Regional authorities are committed to ensuring the provision of provincial public utility rail transport using infrastructure managed by PLK with a minimum of eight pairs of trains operating daily.
Regarding the high-speed projects in this region, Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) is advancing the Warsaw – Łódź HSR aiming to reduce travel time to approximately 45 minutes. In June 2023, the EU delivered EUR 64 million for this 140 km line, which will accommodate speeds up to 350 km/h. The connection through Łódź will be provided by a new 4.6 km tunnel for which the construction was launched at the end of 2023.
This tunnel will link the Retkinia and Fabryczna chambers, facilitating high-speed trains connecting Warsaw, Wrocław, and Poznań. The project is budgeted at approximately PLN 2.8 billion (EUR 654 million), with construction expected to be completed in 2028.
Another strategic rail project is the cross-city railway line running through the centre of the city of Łódź with transport hubs in Łódź Kaliska (situated west of the city), Łódź Fabryczna, the largest and most modern railway station in the city of Łódź and Łódź Widzew, located in the eastern part of Łódź. The line is currently under construction and also includes the construction of a new section linking the Widzew and Niciarniana stations, and the tunnel reaching Łódź Fabryczna station, enhancing urban mobility.
In addition, PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe is implementing several projects involving the construction of new stations in the Łódź region, as part of the Government programme for the construction or modernisation of railway stations for the years 2021–2025. The result of the investment will be more convenient train journeys and improved access to rail services, thereby increasing the attractiveness of rail travel for both everyday and occasional journeys.
Łódź Voivodeship is strategically located in central Poland for which transport is not only a way of mobility, but also the driver of trade and economic development. Concerning transport, the local authorities, as well the Polish government are focused on the modernisation and development of railway infrastructure. These enhancements are designed to improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and bolster economic development both regionally and nationally.
The Łódź Voivodeship’s substantial investments in railway infrastructure reflect a strategic vision to enhance transport efficiency, stimulate economic growth, and improve environmental sustainability. These projects not only benefit the region but also contribute to Poland’s position within the European transport network, paving the way for a more connected and prosperous future.
These initiatives underscore the Łódź Voivodeship’s commitment to modernizing its railway infrastructure, improving passenger experience, and bolstering regional development.railway
Apr 11, 2025
Railway Pro
Unife Calls For Eur 3 Billion Eu Rail Tech InvestmentUNIFE, the association representing Europe’s rail supply industry, has called for a EUR 3 billion investment in a dedicated rail research programme under the next EU budget to ensure Europe remains the global leader in rail technology.
UNIFE Director General Enno Wiebe highlighted the opportunity for EU policymakers to reinforce a strategic sector that benefits citizens and businesses across the continent. The proposal centres on establishing a successor to the current Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking within the European Commission’s forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework and the next European Research Framework Programme (FP10 or equivalent).
The funding would support the development of new technologies, while advancing innovations already initiated under the current programme, such as the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), the Future Railway Mobile Communications System (FRMCS), and the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC).
“These technologies will improve services for passengers and goods, make the European rail network more reliable, while providing a pathway to increasing cross-border travel and driving a freight modal shift from trucks to rail,” said Wiebe. “Further to this, enhancing European rail capabilities through better technology will also provide protection as global supply chains remain under significant strain.”
Europe continues to be recognised for rail products that meet high quality and safety standards. UNIFE warns, however, that growing geopolitical risks and rising international competition require sustained investment to maintain European leadership.
In addition to the proposed research and innovation programme, UNIFE is advocating for a structured pre-deployment plan. This would aim to accelerate the rollout of technologies such as FRMCS, DAC, Automatic Train Operation (ATO), and ERTMS across the EU’s rail networks. Many of these systems, originally developed through the Shift2Rail initiative and advanced under Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, are also cited in the Draghi Report on EU competitiveness.
These advancements are considered crucial to completing the Single European Railway Area (SERA), achieving the goals of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), and supporting the long-term vision of a high-speed rail network connecting European capitals.
Rail innovation also plays a key role in helping the EU reach its climate neutrality targets by 2050, including a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transport.
“We are ahead – but we need to stay ahead,” said Wiebe. “European rail technology lives up to quality and safety standards, and with the role rail plays as critical infrastructure, we need to ensure leading technologies are developed by European-based companies and implemented worldwide.”
He added: “We are a strategic asset, and an industry with a trade surplus for the European Union. Many have spoken a big game about making European industry more innovative, and we’ve got a ready-to-go plan to make this happen.”railway
Apr 10, 2025
Railway Pro
Usd 1 Billion For Signalling Upgrade In South AfricaThe Government of South Africa is committed to invest additional R19.2 billion (USD 1 billion) for the improvement of signalling equipment “that will enable passenger train services to operate efficiently after a long period of dis-functionality.”
This was announced by the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, during his budget speech in the Parliament. This follows many appeals and interventions by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA).
SCOPA undertook an oversight visit to the Passenger Rail Agency (Prasa) in Johannesburg in October last year. During this visit, the authorities made an 80-minute train journey from Naledi station in Soweto to Park station which highlighted that due to faulty of the signalling equipment, train schedules are heavily affected.
In his budget speech, the Minister of Finance said Prasa was allocated R19.2 billion to improve automated signalling equipment, and Prasa is making steady progress to rebuild infrastructure to provide affordable commuter rail services. To sustain this progress, we have provisionally allocated an additional R19.2 billion over the medium term for critical signalling upgrades,” the minister said.
The budget allocation will also allow Prasa to maximise the potential of the 241 new trains delivered through the rolling stock renewal programme.
The signalling equipment upgrades will enable commuters from areas like Mamelodi, Kwa-Mashu, Motherwell and Khayelitsha to take a train every 10 minutes to get to and from work and significantly reduce the money that low-income households spend on transport.
The signalling programme Prasa is implementing covers the replacement of all the existing signalling interlocking, which consists mainly of obsolete mechanical and electro-mechanical systems, with electronic interlocking, which will enhance safety and punctuality and will provide passengers better services. In 2023, the replacement was completed in Gauteng and Western Provinces. Prasa started the re-signalling work the central line from Langa to Nyanga and Sarepta, Kapteinsklip and Chris Hani.railway
Apr 07, 2025
Railway Pro
Panama Metro Line 3 Project Secures Usd 1 Billion FundingThe Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Panama signed a loan agreement for the development of Panama metro Line 3 in the western side of the city.
JPY 159.5 billion (USD 1 billion) is the total amount of the ODA loan with a repayment period of 20 years and a 6-year grace period.
The Minister of Economy and Finance, Felipe Chapman, and the JICA Resident Representative in Panama, Shohei Tada, formalised the agreement in a ceremony held in the Panama West Province.
USD 2.5 billion is the entire value of the project covering the construction of a 24.5 km line with 14 stations connecting Panama City with the western province of Arraijan, crossing the Panama Canal. The project is implemented into three phases and includes a line as a mix of elevated and tunnel sections.
The line will connect Albrook station on Line 1 to Ciudad del Futuro in the Arraiján district of Panamá Oeste province, including a 6 km underground section beneath the Panama Canal at depths reaching up to 64 metres.
The elevated section begins at the Panama Pacifico station and runs 18.5 km from the Arraiján district to Ciudad del Futuro, in its first phase, and is 75% complete.
All stations on Line 3 are under construction, with progress from 58% to 85%. In addition, more than 95% of the viaduct’s beams have been erected, with a maximum height of 31.6 metres. Additionally, on the elevated section between Patios y Talleres and Vista Alegre Station, you can see the orange auxiliary vehicle used to install electromechanical equipment on the running beams.
In 2016, the governments of Panama and Japan signed a USD 2.6 billion financing agreement for the construction of this new metro line and in 2023 JICA and the City of Panama signed a USD 697 million funding agreement for the second phase of the project.
In October 2020, the HPH consortium comprising Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Posco, and Hyundai Engineering, was selected as the main contractor for the project. USD 2.8 billion is the value of the contract to build the line, which is Panama’s largest-ever infrastructure project since Panama Canal.
The consortium selected Hitachi and Mitsubishi as the subcontractors of the project to manufacture, deliver and commissioning of rolling stock and systems including power systems, signalling and telecommunications. USD 883 million is the value of the contract.
The line will be operated by 26 six-car trainsets manufactured by Hitachi and Mitsubishi.
The project, implemented by Metro de Panamá should be completed in December 2028 when the line will enter commercial operation reducing journey time from 90 minutes to 45 minutes. The line will transport 20,000 passengers per hour per direction with trains running every four minutes.
In March 2025, Metro de Panamá announced that the construction of Line 3 tunnel, which will ensure the connection between West Panama and the city centre is 15% complete. The tunnel has a length of 4.5 km and a diameter of 13.5 metres for which excavation is progressing at a rate of more than 8 metres per day.
“During this stage, the Panama tunnel boring machine has faced geomechanical challenges due to the terrain. The performance of the TBM varies depending on the specific conditions of the terrain being excavated,” Metro de Panamá says.
Utilising high-quality Japanese technology, this will be the first monorail project in Central America. As monorails have a proven track record of operating as a safe and reliable urban transit system, the construction of the Line-3 monorail is expected to improve transport in the metropolitan area, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The objective of Panama metro Line 3 is to contribute to the improvement of urban mobility and the reduction of emission of greenhouse gases, while improving the e quality of life for 500,000 residents of the province of Panamá Oeste, serving an initial demand of 160,000 users.
The line is anticipated to open by the end of 2026, transforming urban mobility in Panama City and its surrounding regions.railway
Apr 07, 2025
Railway Pro
Alstom Invests Over Eur 150 Million To Expand Production In FranceAlstom has announced an investment plan exceeding EUR 150 million to expand production capacity at its sites in France. The investment aims to meet growing demand in the French and international rail markets, particularly for very high-speed trains.
“The very high-speed market is currently experiencing strong growth, and Alstom is delighted to see the growing interest in the Avelia Horizon double-deck high-speed train, a truly unique offering on the market,” said Frédéric Wiscart, President of Alstom France. “This unprecedented programme for the Group will enable us to meet our current commitments and strengthen Alstom’s industrial base with innovative technologies stemming from Industry 4.0 to better serve customers.”
To support increasing demand for its Avelia very high-speed train platform, Alstom will enhance its production capabilities and mobilise its industrial infrastructure. The company has outlined a strategic plan to accelerate investments, with key developments including:
The investment plan will result in the recruitment of at least 1,000 new employees in France in 2025. Furthermore, it is expected to generate or safeguard over 2,500 jobs within Alstom’s French supplier network.
The Avelia Horizon, Alstom’s latest generation of double-deck very high-speed trains, builds on more than 40 years of high-speed rail expertise. Designed to operate at speeds of up to 300 km/h, the train features two innovative short-length power cars for enhanced performance and compactness, alongside articulated double-deck passenger carriages.
Offering the largest seating capacity in its category, Avelia Horizon prioritises passenger comfort while reducing operational costs. The train’s optimised bogies contribute to a 30% reduction in preventive maintenance expenses.railway
Apr 04, 2025
Railway Pro
Eib Provides Eur 50 Million For Ukraine’S Rail Border UpgradesThe European Investment Bank (EIB) is allocating EUR 50 million to upgrade Ukraine’s rail border crossings with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. The investment, part of the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes initiative, aims to enhance trade and connectivity between Ukraine and the European Union.
The funding will support infrastructure modernisation, including track repairs, relocation of wagon inspections, reconstruction of an intermodal terminal, and installation of new gantry cranes. These upgrades will improve freight transport efficiency and benefit passenger travel by enhancing cross-border rail services.
Co-financed by the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and backed by an EU guarantee under the Ukraine Facility, the initiative also benefits from advisory support under JASPERS, a joint initiative of the European Commission and the EIB.
This investment is part of the EIB’s broader EUR 150 million support for Ukraine’s rail network. In 2022, EIB provided an initial EUR 100 million for Ukraine, used for emergency rail repairs, supplemented by a EUR 6.7 million EU grant to address urgent wartime needs.
EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska emphasised the strategic importance of the investment. “The EIB has been a long-standing partner of Ukrzaliznytsia – from well before the very first days of the war. With this new support, we are continuing to strengthen Ukraine’s railway infrastructure at a critical time. Upgrading border crossing points and key rail links will help remove bottlenecks, accelerate the flow of goods and support Ukraine’s deeper integration with the European Union,” Czerwińska said.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos highlighted the broader significance of the project: “This EUR50 million investment in the modernisation of key rail border crossing points will strengthen Ukraine’s infrastructure and its connections to the European Union. This is not just an economic measure – it is a political commitment to bring Ukraine even closer to the EU by improving trade, people mobility and transport links. Our message to Ukrainian people is clear: Europe stands with you, today and in the future.”
“Railway infrastructure has become one of Ukraine’s key lifelines – keeping goods moving, delivering essential services and ensuring strategic links with the European Union. We welcome this EUR 50 million in EIB support, now directed towards upgrading our rail border crossing points. This is a vital step in rebuilding and expanding our border infrastructure. It will unlock new potential for freight flows and bring us even closer to full integration with the European Union,” Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba added.railway
Apr 02, 2025