Intermodal solutions specialist Modal Group, formerly Modalis Group, is poised to launch a combined rail-road service between France and Italy via its subsidiary Delta Rail. The first train will operate between Lyon and Piacenza on 9 March.
The Group previously stated that it was planning three weekly round trips on the route. “This new connection strengthens rail flows between Italy and France and is fully in line with our commitment to more sustainable and efficient logistics,” a spokesperson for the Group told RailFreight.com.
Delta Rail is a combined transport operator which “designs and operates reliable and competitive rail solutions to promote modal shift and decarbonisation in freight transport,” the spokesperson explained. The launch of the service coincides with the LET EXPO trade fair in Verona (Italy), from 10 to 13 March, where the Modal Group will be present, the spokesperson added.
Dunkirk to be added to route
The Group’s rebranding was announced earlier this month, the identity change reflecting a widening spectrum of service offerings as it moves towards a more integrated model, which includes its own new rail business. At the end of last year, the then Modalis Group and the Port of Dunkirk laid the foundation stone of a combined rail-road freight transhipment terminal.
The facility is due for completion in Spring 2026 with its first scheduled service to be launched in September linking Dunkirk to Lyon and Piacenza, with onward connections to Rome, Naples and Bari. Three weekly round trips are planned which could rise to five in 2027. Italian shippers are said to be keen to have on-forwarding solutions to the UK and Ireland market and will be able to take advantage of Danish ro-ro shipping company DFDS’ ferry services from Dunkirk to Dover and Rosslare.