Rail Cargo Group (RCG) and Digital Logistics, a joint venture of Russian Railways (RZD) and INTELLEX, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote standardisation and digitalisation of operational processes across Europe’s borders. This should enable faster border processing and a shortening of end-to-end transit times.

The commitment was signed during the International Railway Congress 2019 in Vienna last week and should set new standards in rail logistics. “This will strengthen cross-border cooperation between Europe and Russia and drive the implementation of reliable continental end-to-end logistics solutions”, commented RCG Board Member Kargl.

Digital platform

As a result of the agreement, a digital logistics platform will be developed that can map transport processes digitally in the future as well as enable electronic data exchange with regard to the planning and coordination of rail freight traffic. “The signing of the memorandum was an important step towards increasing the attractiveness of rail transports in Russia, Europe and Asia. This confirms our determination to reach a new level in international freight transportation through digitalisation measures”, said Kargl.

In addition, the heads of the Russian and Austrian railway companies also paid considerable attention to various aspects of the broad gauge project to Vienna at the meeting, calling it a priority for both countries. “The broad gauge project will eliminate the barriers that currently prevent the railways from developing,” said Oleg Belozerov, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Russian Railways. The broad gauge railway line, also called the ‘Russian gauge’ currently runs via Ukraine to Košice in Eastern Slovakia. The parties would like to see an extension of the line to Vienna.