Intelligent Planning Solutions to Transform European Rail

The Intelligent Planning Dissemination Event, held in Paris on 12 May and hosted by SNCF, brought together around 100 railway leaders, planners, researchers and industry experts to explore how advanced planning technologies can unlock the next generation of European rail performance.

The event highlighted how innovative digital tools, optimisation algorithms and simulation technologies are helping railway operators move from reactive planning towards proactive, data-driven decision-making. Opening keynote speakers François Marchal of SNCF Réseau and Tijmen Voet of NS emphasised the strategic importance of intelligent planning in creating a more efficient, resilient and interoperable European rail network.

A key focus was demonstrating how planners can benefit from practical, user-friendly optimisation tools. Presentations showcased solutions for timetable optimisation, stochastic simulation, temporary capacity restriction management, residual capacity allocation and rolling-stock planning. Rather than replacing human expertise, these tools are designed to empower planners by providing faster analysis, better decision support and improved operational insight.

Several demonstrations illustrated how digital twins, demand forecasting and simulation environments allow operators to test scenarios before implementing them in live operations. Advanced models can predict passenger demand, evaluate network performance and assess the impact of disruptions, enabling planners to make more informed decisions while improving service reliability and capacity utilisation.

The event also featured presentations of all 27 Intelligent Planning demonstrators developed within FP1 MOTIONAL. Together, they showcased a shared vision: a railway system where planning processes are increasingly automated, interconnected and supported by real-time data.

The concluding panel discussion reinforced a clear message: intelligent planning is becoming a cornerstone of Europe’s railway transformation. By combining innovative technologies with cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing, FP1 MOTIONAL is accelerating the journey towards a more efficient, resilient and future-ready European rail network.