European rail capacity battle hampers logistics growth

Rail networks across Europe are reaching full capacity, prompting fierce competition over train‑path slots. The Italian open‑access operator Italo secured a deal with Siemens Mobility for 26 Velaro high‑speed trains after the German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) adjusted allocation rules, highlighting the scramble for new entrants to access existing lines. Czech Railways (České Dráhy) also warned that growing demand from newcomers and incumbent operators strains the limited infrastructure.

In Hungary, container traffic hit a record 123,258 TEU in the second quarter of 2026, driven by imports for factories and rising e‑commerce. However, the country's logistics sector warns that the EU rail system’s unpredictability—delayed track renewals, speed restrictions and capacity shortfalls—undermines the reliability of intermodal transport, threatening further growth.

Both developments underscore a broader European challenge: ensuring sufficient, predictable rail capacity to support expanding freight volumes while balancing the interests of new market players and existing operators.