The rail freight service connecting Perpignan and the Rungis International Market in Paris, known as train des primeurs, was halted in June. Operators intending to pick up the service have until 19 July to show interest and possibly relaunch the service in 2026, but no one has yet come forward.
The service, operated by Fret SNCF, was discontinued in the context of the European Commission’s investigation into the company for possible illegal state aid. To avoid massive sanctions, Fret SNCF had to give up various contracts by the of 2023, equalling 20 per cent of their activities.
One of these contracts was the Perpignan-Rungis service, for which Fret SNCF got a special extension to continue until the end of 2024. However, the company stopped the service on 28 June, claiming that the refrigerated wagons used to transport goods both ways are too old and near the end of their lives. Thus, whoever picks up the contract might incur significant costs to rejuvenate the fleet.
Will the new terminal help?
There might be some light at the of the tunnel, as a brand-new rail terminal in Rungis will be ready in 2026. The facility will be managed by VIIA, a subsidiary of SNCF. However, some French industry players are not fully sold on this. For example, it is unlikely that operators will show solid interest before the rolling highway between Rungis and Perpignan is ready. Raphaël Duotrebente, President of the rail freight association Alliance 4F, pointed out to French media Lettre du Cheminot. What is certain, however, is that there will be more trucks on the roads connecting Perpignan and Rungis for at least the next couple of years which, in theory, is what everyone wants to avoid.