Four Players in Northern Italy Launch Initiative ‘to Double Rail Freight Volumes’

Why It Matters

Doubling rail freight can reduce road congestion, lower emissions, and improve supply‑chain resilience in a key Italian industrial hub, positioning the region for greener, more efficient logistics.

Key Takeaways

• ROLER unites port, terminals, and rail operator to boost freight
• Rail freight volumes fell 12% from 2022 to 2024 in Emilia‑Romagna
• New intermodal terminal will host 750‑metre trains on five tracks
• Study shows only 5% of firms use intermodal services in key regions

Pulse Analysis

Rail freight in Italy’s Emilia‑Romagna has been on a downward trajectory, slipping nearly 12% over the past two years. The decline reflects broader challenges: limited intermodal adoption, rising road congestion, and heightened pressure to meet EU climate targets. Companies that shift cargo from trucks to trains can cut emissions by up to 75%, yet a recent study revealed that only five percent of firms in Emilia‑Romagna, Lombardy, and Veneto regularly use intermodal solutions. This gap highlights a missed opportunity for both cost savings and sustainability.

The ROLER initiative brings together four pivotal players – the Port of Ravenna, Bologna and Dinazzano intermodal terminals, and Rail Traction Company – to create a coordinated rail‑freight ecosystem. By aligning scheduling, pricing, and operational standards, the consortium aims to double freight volumes, leveraging synergies that were previously fragmented. A cornerstone of the plan is a new terminal, scheduled for 2027, featuring five tracks designed for 750‑metre trains and equipped with two gantry cranes. This infrastructure will increase handling capacity, reduce turnaround times, and make rail a more attractive option for shippers handling bulk and containerized goods.

If successful, ROLER could serve as a blueprint for other Italian regions and EU corridors seeking to revitalize rail freight. The initiative aligns with the European Green Deal’s emphasis on modal shift and could attract public funding or incentives aimed at decarbonizing transport. However, challenges remain, including securing consistent freight volumes, integrating digital platforms for real‑time visibility, and convincing reluctant manufacturers to alter long‑standing logistics habits. Overcoming these hurdles will be essential for ROLER to achieve its ambitious target and reshape the logistics landscape in northern Italy.