UIC Chairman: Investments in railway infrastructure should be increased

Increasing investments in railway infrastructure is one of the crucial steps in combating the effects of climate change, said Alan Beroud, Chairman of the International Union of Railways (UIC) and CEO of Polish State Railways (PKP), Report informs.

Beroud made the announcement at the event titled Connecting Corridors: Rail as a Climate Solution, held within the framework of COP29.

He emphasized that natural disasters occurring in Poland further emphasize the importance of increasing railway resilience.

"This year, the country experienced excessive rainfall which caused floods and extensive damage to infrastructure. This further underscores the importance of increasing the resilience of our railways," stated Beroud. "To adapt to climate change, we are making continuous investments in our infrastructure, utilizing modern technologies, and applying innovative approaches to risk management."

A study titled Future of Railways, published by UIC, highlights the key role railways will play in sustainability and adaptation. Citing the findings of this research, Beroud noted that national adaptation plans should define specific policies and priorities for railways. He also stressed the importance of financial support for restoration work after extreme weather events and the implementation of climate-friendly technologies.

"Railways play a critical role in solving the climate crisis, being both high-capacity and low-carbon solutions. The transportation sector is responsible for 24% of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. In this regard, increasing investments in railway infrastructure is inevitable," Beroud pointed out.

The UIC chairman added that railways have the potential to connect regions while minimizing environmental impact and reducing carbon emissions. "Considering the significant role of railways in reducing emissions, it is possible to build more sustainable transportation systems through joint efforts. This can only be realized through global cooperation," he concluded.