Rail this week: Five signals to know
Metrans and Interport move ahead with dual-gauge terminal in Košice
Metrans and Interport Servis will upgrade the Košice terminal in Slovakia to support both broad and standard gauge, adding two gantry cranes and expanding overall intermodal capacity. The redevelopment aims to reduce long-standing delays created by break-of-gauge constraints between Ukraine and the EU.
Since 2022, higher volumes of grain, steel and containerised cargo have shifted toward Central Europe. TIP Košice is designed to manage these increased volumes by enabling faster transfers between the 1520 mm and 1435 mm systems.
For Slovakia, the project strengthens the Danube–Carpathian corridor and reinforces its position in east–west traffic as logistics patterns in the region continue to shift.
Škoda completes Bulgaria’s first new EMU in just 14 months
Škoda has completed the first of 25 RegioPanter EMUs for Bulgaria only 14 months after contract signing — an unusually fast turnaround for European rolling-stock production. The new units will replace ageing diesel trains on regional routes.
Each EMU includes modern accessibility features, energy-efficient traction, improved passenger information systems and upgraded interior standards. A 15-year servicing contract provides long-term maintenance certainty for the operator.
For Bulgaria, the fleet renewal is an important step toward improving service quality, expanding electrified operations and strengthening regional connectivity ahead of broader network upgrades.
DB InfraGO orders pilot batch of ‘green steel’ rails
DB InfraGO has placed a pilot order for low-carbon “green steel” rails from Saarstahl Rail. The rails are produced using electric-arc furnaces powered by renewable energy, reducing embedded emissions compared with traditional steelmaking.
They will be installed on selected routes in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Rheinland-Pfalz and Saarland, allowing DB to evaluate durability, lifecycle performance and cost-effectiveness under real operating conditions.
If results are positive, DB plans to apply sustainability criteria more consistently in future rail-steel procurement as part of its broader climate strategy.
AI-based level-crossing detection approved in Spain
Hitachi Rail’s IARO system has been approved by Adif following successful field testing. The AI technology identifies vehicles, pedestrians and unexpected objects at level crossings in real time.
The system targets secondary lines where full signalling renewals or grade separation are not economically viable. IARO offers a scalable and lower-cost way to improve safety.
After the trials, Adif will assess how widely the technology can be deployed as part of its ongoing programme to reduce risk at high-vulnerability locations.
Large-scale DAC tests set for 2027
Europe’s shift toward Digital Automatic Coupling enters a decisive phase in 2027, when a three-year programme of large-scale commercial testing begins. The work is led by the ten-member PioDac consortium, bringing together wagon keepers (UIP), wagon-industry bodies (VPI), private freight operators (ERFA) and national transport associations (VDV).
The trials will test interoperability, winter performance, automatic coupling, remote brake tests and real-time wagon data. Results from 2027–2030 will guide Europe’s long-term DAC rollout and expected productivity gains.
This article comes at the perfect time, as I was just wondering about how the regions supply chain challenges, which you've so insightfully highlighted before, would be tackeld, and the Košice dual-gauge project along with Bulgaria's rapid EMU rollout show such impressive, concrete steps.