EU moves to address rail infrastructure following tunnel collapse

The EU is moving to improve rail safety following a tunnel collapse this year. ( Photo: Shutterstock )

Following the collapse of a rail tunnel at the district of Rastatt in the city of Baden-Wurttemberg in Germany, the European Union has adopted new rules to “improve international coordination of infrastructure works,” the Handy Shipping Guide reports. The rules are viewed as a reactionary measure to the rail tunnel’s collapse under pressure from the public over safety concerns.

The rules were put in place to “create a more customer-oriented network” with the goal of better and more reliable rail services, a move that has been welcomed so far by the European Rail Freight Association (ERFA).

An annex replacing Annex VII to Directive 2012/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a single European railway area,” it emphasized the timetable for adjustments as “once per calendar year.”

Other changes applied were as follows:

 

 

In effect, increasing the time allotted for the preparation, coordination and ground-laying itself are put into consideration without losing sight of disruptions that result.

The changes are expected to start in 2018, with more impact to come by 2019. The level of impact foreseen by the year 2020 will depend on how much impact changes in 2018 and 2019 have.

Stay up-to-date with the latest commentary and insights on FreightTech and the impact to the markets by subscribing.

Categories: News