The European Rail Supply Industry Association (UNIFE) has called for a €3bn ($3.83bn) investment in a dedicated Rail Research Programme under the upcoming EU Budget. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The European Rail Supply Industry Association (UNIFE) has called for a €3bn ($3.83bn) investment in a dedicated Rail Research Programme under the upcoming EU Budget.
Credit: iStock via UNIFE.

This initiative seeks to support Europe’s rail sector in maintaining its technological edge amid growing global competition.

UNIFE Director General Enno Wiebe highlighted the significant benefits for European citizens and businesses. He emphasized that technological advancements in rail technology will revolutionize both travel and freight movement across Europe.

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The proposed investment aims to establish a successor to the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking within the next European Research Framework Programme (FP10 or its equivalent).

This effort aligns with the European Commission’s plans for the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The focus will be on developing new technologies while advancing existing ones from the current Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking.

These include innovations like the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), Future Railway Mobile Communications System (FRMCS), and Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC).

These technologies are expected to enhance passenger and freight services, improve the reliability of Europe’s rail network, and support cross-border travel. The shift from road to rail freight transport will also be facilitated by these innovations. This investment is essential to strengthening Europe’s rail capabilities, particularly amid ongoing global supply chain challenges.

Wiebe stressed, “We are ahead – but we need to stay ahead. European rail technology meets high quality and safety standards. Given the vital role of rail infrastructure, it’s crucial that European companies continue to develop leading technologies for global implementation.”

Integrating New Rail Technologies Across Europe

In addition to the research programme, UNIFE will propose a pre-deployment strategy. This strategy will aid in integrating advanced technologies like FRMCS, DAC, Automatic Train Operation (ATO), and ERTMS into more EU rail networks. These technologies, derived from the previous Shift2Rail initiative, are key to enhancing EU productivity, as noted in the Draghi Report on EU Competitiveness.

Ensuring the Success of High-Speed Rail Projects

The implementation of these technologies is critical for the success of future High-Speed Rail projects connecting European capitals. It will also contribute to achieving the Single European Railway Area (SERA) and completing the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Furthermore, this investment supports Europe’s 2050 climate neutrality goals, including a 90% reduction in transport-related greenhouse gas emissions.

Recently, the International Union of Railways (UIC) launched the FP2-MORANE-2 project to test FRMCS technology in real-world conditions. UIC leads a consortium that includes UNIFE and various rail operators and suppliers, such as ADIF, BaneDanmark, Network Rail, Alstom, CAF, Ericsson, Eviden, Hitachi Rail, KPN, and Telia.

Source: www.railway-technology.com

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