The European Commission (EC) has granted approval for a substantial €180 million funding package aimed at bolstering intermodal transport in Poland. This financial boost, sourced from the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility, is designed to elevate the competitiveness of intermodal transport as a sustainable alternative to traditional road freight, thereby facilitating a greener, more efficient transportation sector in Poland.
The funding, available through direct grants, is intended to finance up to 50% of the eligible costs for companies embarking on intermodal transport projects within Poland. This initiative is set to run until June 30, 2026, offering a significant window for the implementation of transformative projects in the transportation landscape.
Emphasized as having a crucial 'incentive effect', the scheme aims to catalyze investments that might not otherwise proceed without public support, with the ultimate goals of easing road congestion and minimizing environmental pollution as per EC guidelines.
Market Analysis Insights
A market survey conducted in early March 2024 among logistics stakeholders, including freight forwarders, rail operators, and customers in Poland, highlighted the competitive challenges faced by rail transport in comparison to road haulage. Factors such as cost disparities, unequal access to infrastructure, and additional operational costs for rail services were identified as key barriers to rail's competitiveness in Poland.
RailFreight Summit 2024: An Industry Gathering
The RailFreight Summit 2024, scheduled from April 15 to April 17 in Warsaw, Poland, presents an invaluable platform for industry stakeholders to delve into the dynamics of Polish rail freight and its strategic importance to the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region's logistics network. This year's summit will focus on critical themes such as the TEN-T network expansion, strengthening connections with Ukraine, the RailBaltica project, and evaluating the performance of intra-European and Eurasian freight services.
Participants are encouraged to explore the event's program and secure their attendance to engage with key industry figures, gain insights into emerging trends, and discover networking and site tour opportunities designed to enhance business prospects within Poland and across the CEE region.