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Europe's rail infrastructure entered a new phase this week with the opening of Austria's Koralmbahn, a €6 billion high-speed line that slashes journey times between Graz and Klagenfurt from over two hours to just 41 minutes. The 130-kilometre route, launched for passenger service on Saturday, represents one of the continent's most ambitious infrastructure projects and signals renewed momentum for cross-border rail expansion. The line's centrepiece—the 33-kilometre Koralm Tunn

Europe's railway sector is grappling with a critical funding gap as ageing infrastructure collides with surging passenger demand, placing pressure on national governments and Brussels to secure long-term financing for network modernisation. Belgium completed the rollout of the European Train Control System across its entire 6,399-kilometre main network on 14 December, becoming only the second EU country after Luxembourg to achieve full ETCS coverage. The €2.8 billion upgrade,

Dutch private rail operator GoVolta will begin operating two new cross-border passenger services in March 2025, connecting Amsterdam with Berlin and Hamburg as part of an ambitious expansion into European open-access rail travel. The Amsterdam-Berlin service launches March 19, with the Amsterdam-Hamburg route following on March 20. Initially, trains will operate three days weekly—the Berlin service on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, while the Hamburg route runs Mondays, Wedn

Britain's fragmented rail network is receiving a visual overhaul alongside legislative transformation, as the government unveiled branding for Great British Railways during parliamentary debate of landmark reform legislation. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander presented the new red, white and blue livery—deliberately echoing the Union flag—whilst stressing the symbolism extends beyond aesthetics. The design will be deployed from spring across rolling stock, stations and digi

Five European railway associations (CER, EIM, UIP, UITP, and UNIFE) are calling on the European Commission to create a successor to the EU-Rail Joint Undertaking partnership, within the Horizon Europe program, to continue and boost the development of the European railway sector. At the same time, they support the Commission’s proposal for the new European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) under the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2028-2034. The successor to the EU-Rail Jo

Upper Crust owner SSP Group has launched a review of its struggling European rail business, sending shares sharply higher on Thursday. The FTSE 250 company, which operates outlets in railway stations and airports under brands including Caffè Ritazza, said it had begun a “wide-ranging review” with consultancy Alvarez & Marsal that would consider “all potential options” to address its underperformance. SSP, which also operates M&S Simply Food and Burger King franchises, has str

France has placed a significant new order for Avelia Horizon high-speed trains as part of a broader effort to modernise European rail travel and expand low-carbon transport options. The multi-billion-euro investment will introduce a new generation of double-deck, energy-efficient trains capable of operating at up to 320km/h, increasing capacity on key routes while reducing operating emissions. SNCF Voyageurs has agreed to purchase 30 additional Avelia Horizon trains from Fren

Comprehensive analysis prepared for European Parliament's Transport Committee outlined fragmented landscape of intermodal freight terminals across European Union, assessing over 900 facilities using AGORA and SGKV terminal maps data, highlighting disparities in location, capacity, equipment, and modal integration. Germany holds dominant position hosting approximately 25-30% of all terminals, with country's dense infrastructure and extensive rail access contrasting sharply wit

Italian railway construction company Salcef has agreed to acquire Pilbara Rail Maintenance, aiming to combine its global footprint, European technology and advanced methods with the Australian firm’s local railway construction and maintenance expertise, equipment and long-standing relationships. PRM will retain its name and continue to be headed by founder Chris Prior and his existing leadership team. "We’ve been working closely with Salcef for more than 12 months to transfor

France is making a bold move to revolutionise European travel by securing a groundbreaking order for Avelia Horizon high-speed trains, signaling a major leap forward in rail innovation. With a focus on boosting sustainability and connectivity, this multi-billion-euro investment is set to transform Europe’s rail network by introducing cutting-edge, energy-efficient double-deck trains capable of reaching speeds up to 320 km/h. The new fleet will enhance travel times, increase p

Department for Transport Operator Limited appointed Alex Hynes as Chief Executive on November 28, tasked with leading next phase in transition toward Great British Railways implementation. Hynes will oversee publicly owned train operating companies, coordinate with Network Rail, Department for Transport, and wider rail industry stakeholders during critical transformation period. Appointment follows political controversy surrounding High Speed 2 project, with West Midlands May

European Union Agency for Railways released multi-annual work programme for 2026-2028 period on November 27, establishing three equal strategic pillars designed to advance Single European Railway Area whilst supporting European Commission's broader political objectives for sustainable prosperity and competitiveness. Agency's Management Board adopted Single Programming Document on November 18, aligning framework with Commission priorities emphasising railway technology investm