Rail freight transport in Germany continues to be plagued by the dismantling of numerous lines that could be crucial for logistics. At the opening of InnoTrans, the leading trade fair for the rail industry in Berlin (September 24-27), rolling stock manufacturers presented an action plan.
“The international rail industry is making the railway fit for the future. But a modern rail network is not just a question of technology, but also the result of a socio-political strategy and close cooperation between politics, companies and industry,” said Andre Rodenbeck, President of the Association of the German Rail Industry (VDB), of which Stadlerrail is also a member.
Europe will only succeed in becoming a climate-neutral continent "if the sustainable transformation enhances its industrial base and its competitiveness instead of jeopardizing it." Only then will the decarbonization model find imitators.
Photos: Innotrans
The rail industry needs strategic political support. A lack of long-term investment security, increasing bureaucracy, distorted international competition, and a shortage of skilled workers are hindering the rail industry's potential. In its presented "Action Plan for the Rail Industry," the VDB (Association of German Rail Companies) calls for transport policy to be viewed as industrial policy, optimized framework conditions for strong locations and value creation, more modern procurement procedures, fair competition, relief for small and medium-sized enterprises through deregulation, and better financing conditions for companies in the rail industry.
The action plan is available for download
