Joint Technical Workshop on International Rail Traffic Held in Bordeaux

The event was organized by the European Coordinators for the Atlantic and ERTMS Corridors, Professor Carlo Secchi and Matthias Ruete, in partnership with the French region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

The workshop provided a platform to discuss the future of international rail passenger and freight traffic, as well as cross-border regional services, on TEN-T infrastructure either already in place or nearing completion. The goal was to ensure these major investments deliver their full intended benefits.

The event featured five breakout groups, each focusing on a specific topic:

1. France – Spain by High-Speed Rail on TEN-T Infrastructure;

2. Financing Rolling Stock;

3. Portugal – Spain by High-Speed Rail on TEN-T Infrastructure;

4. International Rail Freight Market Development:

This breakout group was organized by the Rail Freight Corridor Atlantic and moderated by Christiane Warnecke, member of the RFC Atlantic Management Board, with support from fellow Management Board members Claire Hamoniau, Maria Alvarez, and Rita Veiga.

The rapporteur for this group was Miguel Llevat, President of Captrain Spain and Portugal withe support from the ETC Consultants.

This group discussed key infrastructure developments, including:

• The electrification and capacity upgrades of the northern international corridor connecting Pampilhosa to Salamanca and Medina del Campo, planned for completion in 2025/2026.
• Improvements along the southern corridor from Sines, Setúbal, and Lisbon to Madrid via Évora and Elvas, which include a new electrified line expected by 2025, enabling faster freight transit and rolling motorways.
• Enhancements to the Bordeaux-Bilbao/Madrid route, featuring the Y Basque network, a new terminal at Júndiz, and upgrades for 740m-long trains capable of carrying semi-trailers up to 4m high.

5. Cross-Border Regional Traffic on TEN-T Infrastructure.

Each group included 10-12 participants, comprising operators, infrastructure managers, and public authorities. Moderators facilitated discussions, and rapporteurs presented conclusions during an afternoon plenary session.

The day began with opening speeches by Alain Rousset, President of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Council, Professor Carlo Secchi, and Matthias Ruete. Industry leaders, including Deutsche Bahn and Kevin-Speed, contributed lightning talks, showcasing innovative approaches to rail traffic, such as insights from UEFA EURO 2024 rail transport as inspiration for FIFA 2030 or the services of a new terminal in Júndiz to foster rail freight traffic.

This workshop underscored the commitment of the Atlantic and ERTMS Corridors to advancing a seamless, sustainable European rail network while fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.

The agenda from this milestone forum is available here [agenda].