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EU-Rail September 2026 Newsletter
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European Railway Checkpoints for Improved Logistics and Maintenance
Challenge
Rail freight operations remain fragmented, with limited real-time visibility of wagon conditions and logistics flows across networks. The lack of automated, standardised monitoring at key operational points creates information gaps, especially at borders, terminals, and main corridors. This hinders efficient digitalisation, increases administrative burden, and reduces overall operational transparency and responsiveness.
The solution
The concept of European Railway Checkpoints (ERC), also called Intelligent Video Gates (IVG), is a way of intelligent monitoring of seamless rail freight transports. Based on new and emerging technologies; a wayside gate equipped with cameras as well as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) readers and sensors. Images from the cameras undergo image analysis and OCR (Optical Character Recognition). The whole procedures enabling captures of critical logistics and maintenance data in real time. These gates can favourably be positioned at strategic locations such as cross border traffic, on main lines, and at yards and terminals. Thus, enabling digitalization and automation of operational processes, stakeholders to improve operational efficiency and maintenance and enhance their offer to the market, and less administrative burdens and enhanced customer information.
Readiness for Industrialisation and Deployment
The solution for maintenance purposes of freight wagons at yards is in operation at several German yards. Thus, this aspect of the solution has been deployed. The solution for gathering logistics information from freight trains and intermodal loading units is installed at several locations in Europe, however the image analysis and OCR need further improvement. The data exchange between different actors and countries is being tested. Thus, this aspect of the solution has been demonstrated in a relevant operational environment.
Expected benefits
- Automatised and digitalised processes
- Improved handling of deviations and checks in and out at yards and terminals
- Improved data quality
- Optimised transshipment plans and interface towards road haulers
- More precise departure times and Estimated Times of Arrival (ETAs)
- Increased operational efficiency
- Sharing of logistical information etc.
Maturity level
TRL 7 (System prototype demonstration in operational environment )
Who benefits
Infrastructure Managers
Railway operators
Suppliers
Final users
Conclusion
Improved logistics information flow benefits train operators, terminal operators, suppliers, and end users are some of the main positive outcomes of this solution, benefitting several customers. Moreover, enhanced maintenance procedures benefit the train owners and operators, as well as the infrastructure manager.
Learn more about the project
FP5-TRANS4M-R
This solution has been developed within the EU-Rail Flagship Project FP5-TRANS4M-R. The FP5-TRANS4M-R’s overall goal is to establish rail freight as the backbone of a low-emission, resilient European logistics chain which fulfills end-user requirements to full satisfaction.