The month of August 2024 brings substantial challenges to the European rail freight industry, with critical sections of the Simplon line in Italy and the Rastatt-Baden Baden route in Germany undergoing complete closures for essential upgrades.
Simplon line closure
From August 9 to 30, the Simplon line between Domodossola and Iselle di Trasquera in Italy will be entirely shut down for upgrades. This closure extends an already ongoing disruption on the Stresa-Verbania section of the Milan-Domodossola line, which has been closed since June 9 and will remain so until September 8. Consequently, no trains will be able to use the Simplon pass during this period. The alternative Gotthard axis, which itself is under partial single-track restrictions due to ongoing works, will handle the diverted traffic. The Gotthard Base Tunnel, still not fully recovered, will face increased strain as freight companies reroute their services.
Rhine valley line disruptions
Similarly, the Rastatt-Baden Baden route in Germany will see a complete closure from August 9 to 29. This segment is a vital part of the Rhine Valley line, a key corridor for freight traffic. In response to this closure, industry players
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is utilizing this period for extensive work on the Karlsruhe-Basel railway project, focusing on the southern connection of the Rastatt Tunnel to the rail network. This involves significant adaptations to the rail infrastructure, including overhead lines, control systems, and safety technology. Additionally, DB is renewing control and safety technology between Rastatt and Baden-Baden and replacing switches in Baden-Baden, all while maintaining passenger services through bus replacements.
Hupac’s diversion strategy through France
Leading intermodal operator, Hupac, has devised a diversion strategy through France. This involves a diesel shuttle service between Offenburg and Wörth, doubling the capacity of freight trains and maintaining the standard P400 profile. This service, supported by diesel locomotives and multilingual driver crews, is expected to meet 80% of the transport demand during the closure.
BLS Cargo adaptations
BLS Cargo, heavily impacted by these closures, has planned diversions for its freight trains through France, Schaffhausen-Singen, and Brenner. The company has specifically trained its staff for these alternative routes and increased its workforce to manage the diversions. Despite these measures, BLS Cargo warns of potential operational instability and continues to monitor the situation closely.
SBB Cargo International Efforts
SBB Cargo International, in collaboration with Captrain France, DB InfraGO, and SNCF Réseau, has developed a diversion plan using a diesel shuttle on the Wörth-Lauterbourg-Strasbourg-Offenburg route. This concept has been rigorously tested, identifying and addressing potential issues to ensure smooth operation during the closure period.
Rhine-Alpine corridor under pressure
The Swiss Federal Office of Transport has outlined numerous projects planned for 2024 along the Genoa-Rotterdam Corridor, indicating which disruptions may occur throughout the year. These ongoing works, while necessary for long-term improvements, present continuous challenges for rail freight operators.
The closures along the Rhine-Alpine corridor underscore the importance of finding alternative routes and collaborative efforts within the rail industry to sustain efficient freight operations and to keep and grow the volumes of freight transported by rail.
