The document is presented as a sub-strategy of the national “Mobility Vision 2050” and aims to define the government's approach to freight logistics across the rail network over the next 25 years.
The vision sets out five key priorities:
- A reliable rail freight network.
- Smooth operations on (international) freight corridors.
- Efficient handling of first and last mile operations.
- Optimal use of the Betuweroute.
- A safe, sustainable, and healthy living environment.
The government plans to promote multimodal freight transport—rail and inland waterways for long distances, and road transport mainly for pre- and post-haulage—by 2050. The vision will be implemented in phases, starting with a concrete action agenda for 2026–2030. This will include measurable targets, specific actions, and designated responsibilities. However, decisions regarding ambition levels and associated funding will be left to future cabinets.
The document also responds to several previous motions and parliamentary commitments, including the future of the Kijfhoek marshalling yard. A €30 million investment from the €79 million "Impulsprogramma Goederenvervoer" (Freight Transport Boost Programme) has been earmarked for Kijfhoek. This funding will support the continuation of wagonload services and help ProRail maintain competitive marshalling rates, countering the risk of these services disappearing from the Dutch rail system.
In addition, the letter addresses the potential for transferring industrial rail tracks (industriespoor) from ProRail to private operators. Roughly 2,500 km of such track exists in the Netherlands, consisting of branch lines, loading/unloading points, and marshalling areas. Although ProRail retains policy for handling such transfers, the current framework remains unchanged following consultations. Private parties may still submit requests to take over infrastructure, which will be assessed based on public utility, strategic relevance, and technical interdependence.
The ministry confirms that the advisory platform on rail freight and environment broadly supports the direction of the vision and calls for more investment to achieve its goals. The next steps will involve preparing a detailed implementation agenda in coordination with stakeholders.
