Galicia, Northern Portugal and Castile and León join forces to boost rail freight transport

Infrastructure and Logistics

The Galician Logistics Cluster presented a joint strategy with Northern Portugal and Castile and León at the International Logistics Exhibition (SIL) to boost rail freight. The initiative aims to transform latent demand into operational services that will strengthen the competitiveness of the northwestern corridor.

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From potential demand to operational reality in the northwestern axis

El Clúster Logístico Gallego has taken advantage of the framework of International Logistics Exhibition (SIL) to present an ambitious joint strategy with the Northern Portugal y Castilla y LeónThe main objective is clear: to stimulate new opportunities and convert existing demand into operational rail freight services, thereby strengthening the logistics axis of the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula.

According to cluster sources present at the event, "The demand exists"But the real sectoral challenge lies in "to convert that potential into new rail services" that are efficient, sustainable, and competitive. This initiative responds to a growing need among businesses in the region, which are seeking alternatives to road transport to optimize their supply chains, reduce costs, and improve their carbon footprint.

A strategic alliance for the Atlantic Corridor

Collaboration between Galicia, Norte de Portugal y Castilla y León This is no coincidence. It represents a strategic move to consolidate a top-tier interregional logistics hub within the context of Atlantic CorridorCreating a common strategy allows us to combine efforts, share resources, and present a unified front to attract railway operators and investments in key infrastructure.

Intermodal logistics experts consulted by Empresa Exterior They emphasize that the key to success will lie in the ability of these three regions to harmonize operations, simplify cross-border procedures, and ensure the interoperability of systems. "A shared vision is fundamental to generating the necessary critical mass to make the new rail freight corridors viable and profitable," they point out.

Pillars of the Northwest Railway Strategy

The proposal presented in the SIL It is structured around several fundamental lines of action to move from theory to practice:

Strategic Pillar	Key Objective
Demand Identification	Map freight flows and sectors with potential to migrate cargo to rail.
Public-Private Collaboration	Promote synergies between administrations, ports, logistics platforms and freight companies.
Interoperability and Connectivity	To ensure technical and administrative efficiency in cross-border traffic, especially with Portugal.
Attracting Operators	Create an attractive and legally secure framework for rail operators to invest in new routes.

This coordinated progress is emerging as a catalyst for the competitiveness of exporting and importing companies in the Euroregion, offering a robust logistics alternative aligned with the sustainability objectives of the Unión Europea.

Key points and frequently asked questions about the new railway strategy in Galicia

How does this initiative affect Galician exporting companies?

For exporting companies GaliciaThis strategy opens the door to a reduction of logistics costs and transit times to EuropaRail transport offers greater cargo capacity and reliability compared to road congestion, as well as being a more sustainable option, a factor that is increasingly valued in international markets (ESG criteria).

What role do Northern Portugal and Castile and León play in this plan?

The inclusion of Norte de Portugal y Castilla y León it's crucial. Portugal It provides connections to key Atlantic ports such as Leixões y SinesWhile Castilla y León act as a hinterland natural and logistical bridge to the rest of España y EuropaTogether, they create a sufficient cargo volume to justify investment in new services.

What are the next steps to make these rail services a reality?

The next step is the implementation of detailed feasibility studies for specific routes, identifying the most promising freight flows. Subsequently, work will need to be done to create public-private partnerships to attract rail operators and, finally, to secure the necessary funding for infrastructure upgrades and the launch of the first pilot services.