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6. October 2021On the Betuweroute, which connects the Port of Rotterdam with the Ruhr area and is exclusively available for freight trains in the Netherlands, the German-Dutch project “Testing of Automatic Train Operation Technologies for Cargo” was launched on October 1, 2021. By the end of 2025, the control and remote monitoring of automated trains in rail freight transport will be tested for the first time.
(Rotterdam) The project includes a one-year trial operation for automated freight trains on open tracks in the Dutch section of the Betuweroute.
The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure as part of the federal program “Future Rail Freight Transport” with 18.9 million euros, of which DB Cargo AG receives 17.5 million euros.
The initiative is a joint project of DB Cargo AG, Digital Rail Germany (DSD), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and the Dutch infrastructure operator ProRail B.V.
Better Utilization of Track Capacities
Through the automation of train operations, a better utilization of track capacities and an improvement in transport quality through the optimal choice of speed are to be achieved. This can significantly enhance the competitiveness of rail freight transport compared to road transport. The technology is an important lever to shift transport volumes from the road to the environmentally friendly rail.
This implements an important component of the German-Dutch “Joint Declaration of Intent on the cooperation in promoting rail freight operations.” It was developed in 2019 with the participation of representatives from the rail transport sector of both countries between the German and Dutch ministries of transport and signed at the level of state secretaries.
Photo: © DB Cargo






