Rail4Regions

Brief description

The project is an EU project (Interreg CE) aimed at improving rail freight connections in rural areas.

Objectives and targets

The EU project "Rail4Regions" aims to show how rail freight transport network coverage can be improved. Good accessibility is seen as a basic prerequisite for shifting freight transport from road to rail. To this end, the project partners will work together to develop highly scalable solutions that improve the connection of regions to European transport corridors. As a result, stakeholders in the fields of transport and spatial planning will receive comprehensive planning tools to develop rail freight transport through connecting tracks, reused branch and feeder lines, improved loading infrastructure and the promotion of single wagon transport.

Innovation approach

In many European countries, both European and national authorities are focusing on investment along the main rail corridors. However, there is a lack of holistic solutions for the local and regional rail network. To this end, instruments are to be developed or improved, particularly at the regional planning level, which can be helpful in improving rail connections to industrial sites or other freight transport hubs.

Tasks

Three basic work packages are planned within the framework of the project:
In Work Package 1, the first step is to find case studies in the respective region where a possible shift of freight transport from road to rail can take place. Intermodal transport, where the share of road transport can be reduced in favour of rail, must also be taken into account. In addition, stakeholder workshops will be held to establish an exchange with actors within the respective regions, where practical content and needs can be contributed.
In Work Package 2, pilot actions at loading points, connecting railways and sidings, as well as in the single wagon transport system, are to be tested and evaluated. This also includes reviewing solution concepts that already exist and are in use in the regions. The result should be the presentation of highly scalable solutions that can be transferred to other application examples.
In Work Package 3, the results to date will be presented and discussed in further stakeholder workshops. The potential for modal shift will be evaluated. Subsequently, an action plan will be drawn up and the results will be presented to policymakers in a final paper.

Scientific contribution

A methodology for analysing potential in the regions is being developed. Furthermore, solutions and tools for the identified difficulties are being developed with the project partners and applied to pilot projects. The results will then be further developed into highly scalable solutions. A white paper on rail freight transport in rural areas and a political action plan are being produced.