Rail Logistics Europe (RLE), the structure grouping SNCF’s rail freight interests, is organising a humanitarian aid initiative to Ukraine which makes provision for the rail transport of some 400 buses by the end of this year. The vehicles have been donated by the Greater Paris region’s transit authority and are destined to assist in the movement of civilians in need in the war-torn state.
An initial batch of 30 buses has been transported by rail to the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions of Ukraine. RLE demonstrated its expertise in mobilising several of its units: Fotwardis for project management and international coordination; Hexafret for French rail freight operations and loading; Captrain Deutschland and ITL for traction and convoy continuity in Germany; and Captrain Polska for transport to Poland.
Ukrainian Railways orchestrated the convoy’s continuation to Kyiv. “The operation required exceptional logistical mobilisation,” according to RLE, who noted that teams worked in shifts to quickly classify and allocate routes, obtaining special transport permits in just a few days while ensuring the security of the transport from France to the Ukrainian border.
