Two new articles from the Pods4Rail project have been published.

The first one, “Review on the modelling of modular POD-based passenger and goods transportation” is the first comprehensive review on modularity, multimodality, and co-modality in public transport.

Based on 45 peer-reviewed articles, the review covers transport system design, modularity implementation and optimisation methods. Key gaps: research focuses on road-based and corridor-based systems, leaving multi-modal and flexible network designs underexplored; co-modality lacks systematic modular analysis; and analytical methods dominate over simulation-based and AI-based approaches.
The review offers the first structured overview of these aspects and outlines directions for future research.

The second article, titled “Integrated Control and Planning of Virtual Coupled Modular Pods for Energy-Efficient Railway Operation” proposes modular “pods” that link together when demand is high and separate when it’s low, using virtual coupling.
The framework has two layers: a convoy control layer ensuring pods travel safely and closely together, and a planning layer (a MILP model) deciding how many pods to use and when. Together they adapt capacity to demand while keeping operations safe.
Simulations compared the approach against a conventional fixed-composition diesel–electric train. The pod system used more energy at peak, performed about the same at shoulder, and saved 57% off-peak. Over a full day, energy dropped from 3864 kWh to 3075 kWh — a 20% reduction.
The takeaway: the framework’s value lies in making convoy composition demand-adaptive, improving energy performance across the whole day while keeping operations safe.

FP6-FutuRe solutions were presented to visitors and stakeholders at the European stand during InnoTrans 2026, demonstrating the benefits of integrating high-precision GNSS/multi-sensor fusion positioning, 5G and satellite communications, and cloud enablers for regional and low-density rail operations.

The showcase illustrated the project’s contribution towards reducing operational and infrastructure costs while maintaining safety and performance levels. The activity increased project visibility among railway operators, infrastructure managers, suppliers, research organisations and public authorities, supporting dissemination and stakeholder engagement objectives.

The demonstration also supported discussions with potential adopters and sector stakeholders regarding future deployment opportunities of the technologies developed within the project.

The FP4-Rail4EARTH project was represented at InnoTrans 2026 through a series of demonstrations and project-related exhibits at the European stand and at participating partners’ stands.

At the European booth, visitors encountered solutions addressing some of the key challenges facing rail transport today. These included pollutant reduction and air quality monitoring, a Digital Twin supporting energy management at Málaga María Zambrano station, and an electro-mechanical brake mock-up showcasing the air-less train concept.

The project’s achievements were also visible across partner booths. PKP presented a video covering its work on green modular stations, hydrogen refuelling stations and Energy Hubs. CEIT displayed the direct-drive motor developed within the project, while DLR showcased a demonstrator including technology to reduce infection risks through efficient aerosol removal. TALGO presented its universally accessible toilet, and Alstom highlighted modularity in rail.

The combined exhibition presence highlighted the range of project-related developments contributing to more sustainable, energy-efficient and accessible railway systems.

Work on the SYMBIOSIS Operational Toolkit continues, with progress across two key areas:

-Climate resilience

Milestone MS9, “Preliminary draft of integrated ecological connectivity, biodiversity and climate risk mapping developed with stakeholder feedback”, has been achieved. The work includes European railway risk maps for flooding and extreme heat, helping identify where climate adaptation and biodiversity enhancement should be prioritised.

The “Impact Assessment Tools for Linear Infrastructures” deliverable has also been approved. It reviews more than 100 recent case studies and includes a Delphi study with railway professionals across Europe.

-Biodiversity and CO₂ calculator

Partners are integrating carbon emissions assessment with biodiversity indicators, supported by geospatial data and case studies. Building on the “Impact Assessment Tools for Linear Infrastructures” findings, the calculator aims to combine methodological robustness with practical usability for infrastructure managers.
It will bring carbon and biodiversity considerations together in a single tool, producing results that are meaningful for business and regulatory purposes and supporting railway infrastructure decision-making.

Sharing knowledge and building capacity

The project will also host three free, interactive 90-minute webinars in November and December 2026 for infrastructure professionals in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Through expert insights, real-world case studies and facilitated group discussions, the sessions will explore practical ways to integrate biodiversity conservation and climate resilience into infrastructure planning. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange experiences and identify solutions suited to Sub-Saharan African contexts.

More information on dates and agendas is coming soon.

Join EU-Rail for the final webinar of the 2026 FRMCS series.

Mario Sela, Lead of Working Group 2, will present the findings of the analysis of the main cost drivers associated with FRMCS migration for both trackside infrastructure and rolling stock.

Over the past few months, the FRMCS Deployment Group has carried out a detailed analysis of these cost drivers. Building on this work, a cost modelling tool has been developed to provide greater transparency on how different factors influence the overall cost of FRMCS migration.

The webinar will present the key cost drivers in a clear and accessible way and introduce the first phase of the cost modelling tool.

The event is aimed at representatives of Railway Undertakings (RUs), Infrastructure Managers (IMs), and national and European authorities.

When: 17 November 2026, 10:00–12:00

Where: Online

Registration deadline: 15 November 2026

On 7 October, more than 120 gathered for the presentation of the results of the Deployment Survey as the third EU-Rail FRMCS webinar took place. With FRMCS specifications being finalised and testing progressing, the survey shows a clear shift from awareness to active involvement across the sector.

Karel van Gils, EU-Rail Senior Programme Manager/Seconded National Expert, presented the work of the FRMCS Deployment Group, while Pipsa Hallner (Trafikverket) and Pascal Désaunay (SNCF) presented the key findings on behalf of EU-Rail.

What stood out? First, Infrastructure Managers and industry showed very strong interest in MNOs. Second, half of the trainsets to be equipped with FRMCS will never be equipped with ETCS. Furthermore, funding remains unresolved, and authorisation is still a burden, with fast processes expected for Voice-only trains and for error correction, including cybersecurity threats. Industrial capacity for deployment also needs further investigation.