Belgium’s Federal Government has approved an update to the performance contract of rail infrastructure manager Infrabel, paving the way for a series of new railway investment projects aimed at improving safety, reliability and capacity, particularly in port areas.
The revised multiannual investment plan, proposed by Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés), prioritises projects that are immediately deliverable, while maintaining a focus on long-term strategic goals. It forms part of the broader 2023–2032 investment framework, which is structured around five pillars: safety, punctuality, capacity, digitalisation and accessibility.
Shift in priorities to ensure deliverability
Infrabel said it is adjusting its planning to reflect real-world constraints, including rising costs and the complexity of certain projects. Initiatives requiring additional preparation or international coordination will be postponed, while funding is redirected to projects that can be implemented quickly and offer clear economic and societal benefits.
Two major schemes have been delayed but not cancelled. The €87.5 million Rail Ghent–Terneuzen project requires further agreements with the Netherlands, while the €37 million redevelopment of Antwerp-Berchem station needs additional consultation to finalise its design.
The budgets initially allocated to these projects have been reassigned to ready-to-launch initiatives, particularly in ports (€68.7 million) and stations (€82.3 million), as well as safety and digitalisation upgrades. Combined with €52 million in European funding, this brings the total reallocated investment to €124.5 million. Authorities stressed that the overall financial balance remains intact, without additional federal funding.
Four new projects
Infrabel confirmed four new projects to be delivered by 2032:
- Battery train infrastructure (€27.5 million): Several non-electrified lines, including routes between Ghent and Eeklo and Aalst and Burst, will be adapted for battery-powered trains. This is expected to cut emissions and costs compared to full electrification.
- Military mobility (€21.5 million): Investments such as 750-metre tracks and improved links to logistics corridors will support both military transport and civilian rail operations.
- Second track between Mol and Neerpelt (€15.6 million): Doubling this section of line 19 will increase capacity and reliability for passenger, freight and military traffic, strengthening connections towards the Netherlands, Germany and Eastern Europe.
- Cambron-Casteau / Pairi Daiza (€2.6 million): Improved rail access to Pairi Daiza aims to ease road congestion and support regional tourism.
Benoît Gilson, chief executive of Infrabel, said: “With an updated investment plan to 2032, Infrabel is investing in new railway projects that strengthen safety, reliability and sustainability. The plan is financially balanced and ensures that our customers and the Belgian economy feel the benefits more quickly.”
Focus on ports and industry
The plan also includes targeted investments in Belgium’s major ports, underlining rail’s role in freight logistics:
- Port of Antwerp-Bruges (€42.8 million): electrification, track renewal and improved connections, along with the replacement of a level crossing in Lissewege.
- North Sea Port (€24.4 million): signalling upgrades and electrification in the Ghent port area.
- Port of Ostend (€1.5 million): safety improvements for rail operations.
These investments respond to demand from industry and aim to strengthen Belgium’s logistical competitiveness.
Station accessibility upgrades
Funding has now also been confirmed for accessibility improvements at several stations. In Flanders, works will take place at Halle, De Hoek, Holleken and Landen (€24.5 million).
In Brussels, upgrades are planned at eight stations, including Brussels-South Railway Station and Etterbeek Railway Station, with a total investment of €57.8 million. The works will focus on platform adjustments and easier access.
Balanced plan without extra funding
The update confirms the continuation of the broader investment programme, including major schemes such as the Brussels Regional Express Network and safety upgrades through the ETCS signalling system.
Infrabel said the revision reflects changing economic conditions and project feasibility, with funds reallocated where needed and European subsidies maximised. The result, it said, is a balanced investment plan delivering maximum impact per euro spent, without requiring additional federal funding.
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