The Netherlands will receive a European subsidy of 51 million euros to prepare the railway network for faster and easier military transport. With the EU money, ProRail will, among other things, extend the railway lines on the Vlissingen port site. ProRail is now making two stabling tracks there for 740 meter long freight trains. This also brings the extension of the regular Dutch freight trains one step closer.
The European Union wants to improve the transport of troops and equipment. The reason is the growing military threat, especially on the eastern borders. The Zeeland seaport is a place where military equipment regularly enters Europe.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure is also making approximately 100 million euros available for facilities to operate 740-metre-long freight trains. There will be extended parking lanes at five other locations: at Rotterdam-Noord, Lage Zwaluwe, Waalhaven Zuid and at Roosendaal station. This brings driving with 740 meter long commercial freight trains within reach. The market has been ready for this for a long time, but the railways are not yet.
From 2030, there will also be a EU obligation to be able to run longer trains on a number of important routes and port yards. A freight train of 740 meters replaces 56 trucks.
The construction work for the longer trains will join other planned work. This saves time and taxpayer money. In addition, the start of a number of explorations in the Rotterdam Port area is also announced to make the Botlek yard suitable for more freight transport. This is necessary to be able to drive longer freight trains to and from Port of Moerdijk.