EU plans for faster rail links between European metropolises by 2040
The European Commission presented Action plan for faster rail links which aims to significantly shorten travel times between major European cities by 2040. The EU plans faster rail connections between European metropolises by 2040, involving the development new high-speed rail networks which will connect key nodal points of the European continent at speeds greater than 200 km/h.
According to estimates, the journey between Berlin and Vienna could be shortened from more than eight to Just four and a half hours, while the relation Berlin – Copenhagen lasted four instead of seven hours, and Munich – Rome six instead of nine and a half hours.
“Improving travel times between major European capitals is concrete proof of our desire to make Europe more connected and efficient,” stated Raffaele Fitto, Vice-President of the European Commission.
The aim of the initiative is to encourage a shift from short-haul flights to rail, make business and tourist travel more sustainable, and increase the competitiveness of the European rail industry.
TEN-T Network Funding
To complete the Trans-European rail network TEN-V (Trans-European Transport Network) until 2040, an investment of around 345 billion euros. Should plans for super-fast railways exceeding speeds of 250 km/h, the total costs could reach 546 billion euros by 2050.
The financing will include state funds, private investment, the credits and guarantees European Investment Banks. The Commission also plans to remove regulatory obstacles for cross-border traffic, improve conditions for operators and industry, and further encourage research and innovation in railway technology.
