Dutch infrastructure manager ProRail does not yet have a concrete war protocol ready, but is preparing for a military escalation. Among other things, looser rules for military transport are being considered.
For example, ProRail is busy preparing the most important freight corridors so that longer trains can run on them. The infrastructure manager is also looking at where wider trains can be used, because defense equipment is sometimes too wide.
ProRail does not yet have a real war plan, but it does want to work on it. According to the railway manager, this protocol should ensure, among other things, a looser handling of existing rules in order to be able to give military transports priority on the track if necessary.
Rail is vital
During a war, infrastructure is of “essential importance”, according to ProRail. “People are evacuated by rail, humanitarian aid is provided and military transport takes place. We will also have to do that in wartime.”
The radio station reported on Friday that companies, authorities and organisations often already have emergency plans or are in contact with the government in case war breaks out.
This article was originally published by our sister publication SpoorPro.nl.