The Italian rail freight association Fermerci has come out with its yearly report on the state of the industry. Whereas the overall trend still seems to be rather negative, there are also some positive developments to be noted.
For example, rail freight’s performance during 2024 was – for now – estimated at 23,3 billion tonne-kilometres. That is slightly higher than 2023, when it reached 22,7 billion tonne-kilometres. It means that 2024 likely brought some improvement compared to 2023, but it is still down by 4,1 per cent compared to pandemic year 2021.
When approaching performance by looking at train-kilometres, the picture looks slightly different. That indicator ended 2024 at 51,2 million, which is half a million less than 2023.
The estimated growth in tonne-kilometres and decline in train-kilometres, according to Fermerci, suggests that there are improvements in operational efficiency. “This increase in tonnes transported per train can be influenced by several factors, such as the adaptation of the railway infrastructure to European standards, which continues to increase the capacity of existing lines, and also the adoption of advanced technologies in rail traffic control and management systems allowing greater operational efficiency”, the association says.
Modal share
When compared to the road sector, the above numbers show that Italian rail freight is weakly positioned in the transport market. In 2022, its modal share was only 12,4 per cent. Italy dangles somewhere around the bottom of the list of EU member states.
Fermerci points out that the 12,4 per cent may not even be entirely accurate: research shows road traffic is underreported, and so the true modal share of rail may even be smaller than the official number. A mere 15 per cent of freight is realistically “contestable” by rail, mostly on longer distances.
Transalpine traffic
Internationally, things are looking better and worse at the same time. Expectedly, rail freight traffic between Italy and France collapsed in part as a result of the Frejus tunnel closure: -38 per cent. Similarly, traffic to Switzerland fell by 8,1 per cent. That is also partially attributable to infrastructure problems: the Gotthard Base Tunnel reopened for traffic in September after a year-long closure. It stands to be noted that in the case of both countries, a decline in cross-border rail freight with Italy has been ongoing since 2021.
Nevertheless, transalpine traffic overall grew by 1,7 per cent. The problems in France and Switzerland were compensated by Austria (+5,3 per cent), which also accounts for more than half of all Italian transalpine rail traffic, and Slovenia (+33,6 per cent).
Rail freight needs certainty
This year will also bring challenges to Italian rail freight. Major works in 2025 will affect capacity on vital routes, such as Milan – Domodossola and Genoa – Ventimiglia. Improvements are much-needed, since 14 per cent of Italian railways are saturated over four hours every day, says Fermerci. However, they themselves are present obstacles in the form of closures and downtime, for which the industry cannot count on proper compensation.
“The rail freight sector needs certainties”, says Fermerci president Clemente Carta. “It is essential to ensure a stable and predictable regulatory framework, so that companies can plan investments and operate efficiently.”
Fermerci has come forward with a number of proposals to get rail freight back on track:
– Stabilize funding for incentives and ensure multi-year commitments.
– Offset disruption costs from construction with temporary support measures.
– Mitigate terminal and last-mile costs, particularly in ports.
– Accelerate ERTMS and DAC implementation.
– Upgrade terminals to handle 740-metre trains and meet EU TEN-T standards.
– Boost intermodal capacity and streamline digital integration via platforms like EasyFreightRail.
– Foster digitalisation for real-time tracking, AI-assisted forecasting, and improved supply chain coordination.
– Promote resilient supply chains through modal diversification and investment in inland terminal accessibility.