Federal government uses infrastructure delays to fund new rail investments
Belgium's federal government has approved additional investments in four new railway worksites, port infrastructure and station accessibility. The investments are funded through savings generated by delays to two major projects within the budget of Belgian rail infrastructure manager Infrabel.
The Ghent-Terneuzen rail link - the freight line connecting North Sea Port with the Dutch port of Terneuzen - and accessibility works at Antwerp-Berchem station have both been pushed back. Neither will begin before 2030, and part of the expenditure will be deferred beyond 2032.
These delays have freed up 124.5 million euros within Infrabel's budget. Combined with 52 million euros in European subsidies, the total will be invested into other infrastructure projects. No additional federal funding is required, Mobility minister Jean-Luc Crucke announced at a press conference on Friday.
Railway upgrades
The largest share of the reallocated budget (27.5 million euros) will go towards upgrading infrastructure for battery-powered passenger trains on five lines in Flanders. They can serve as a green replacement for diesel trains, without requiring full electrification of the track.
A second project, worth 21.5 million euros, involves targeted investments to meet the needs of the Ministry of Defence. These include 750-metre-long tracks capable of accommodating longer freight trains, improved connections to logistics hubs such as Leopoldsburg, and better links with the Netherlands and Germany.
A further 15.6 million euros will fund a second track of approximately 14 kilometres on the so-called Iron Rhine, the freight corridor connecting the port of Antwerp with Mönchengladbach in Germany. The works will increase capacity for both passenger and freight traffic.
The fourth project concerns access to the Pairi Daiza wildlife park. The station at Cambron-Casteau will be relocated 300 metres to connect directly with the park's new second entrance, sparing visitors arriving by train the current 15-minute walk.
Investments in ports and safety
Beyond the four new projects, substantial investments are being made in Belgium's ports. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges will receive 42.8 million euros, primarily for the renewal and electrification of several track bundles and the replacement of switches in Antwerp.
The North Sea Port, meanwhile, will see 24.4 million euros invested in improved signalling and electrification in the Ghent port area, while the port of Ostend receives 1.5 million euros for enhanced rail safety.
Four stations in Flanders and seven in Brussels will also be made more accessible, mainly through raised platform levels and improved access routes. Finally, the ETCS safety system will be upgraded, while barriers and cameras will be installed to discourage railway trespassers.
© BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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