New Construction, Expansion, Reactivation, and Replacement of Rail Sidings (Connection Funding Guideline) Open
This federal funding program supports commercial enterprises in investing in their rail sidings and rail freight transport facilities. The goal is to shift freight transport from road to rail to relieve infrastructure and achieve environmental benefits. Grants are provided for the new construction, expansion, reactivation, and replacement of rail sidings and multifunctional transhipment facilities.
Who is Funded
This funding guideline is aimed at commercial enterprises in private legal form throughout Germany that wish to invest in their rail infrastructure. The overarching goal is to shift freight transport from road to rail and to permanently secure these transports, thereby reducing truck journeys.
What is Funded
The program supports investments in the new construction, expansion, reactivation, and replacement of rail sidings and associated rail freight transport facilities. Various facilities and related cost categories are funded to improve the functionality and efficiency of rail connections and optimize freight transport.
Type and Scope of Funding
Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant. The amount of the grant varies depending on the type of facility and the rail freight transport volume or performance achieved, with specific maximum values per tonne or tonne-kilometre. The funding rates are limited to a maximum of 50% or 80% of eligible costs, and there is a de minimis threshold of EUR 15,000.
Conditions and Requirements
Various conditions must be met for applying for and receiving funding, relating to the project start, economic viability, proof of transport volume, and ensuring financing. Specific legal and operational requirements must also be observed to ensure efficient and purpose-bound use of funds.
Application Procedure
The application for funding must be submitted in writing to the Federal Railway Authority. After complete submission of the documents, examination and decision will take place within three months. The grant notification will only be issued upon receipt of the necessary building permit.
Legal Basis
The funding program is based on a specific federal guideline and is regulated by various overarching laws and administrative regulations. These define the legal framework for funding, application review, and the use of funds.
Funding Overview
Maximum Amount:
Up to 50% of eligible costs for rail sidings and access/industrial main lines; up to 80% for multifunctional facilities. Maximum values of EUR 10.00/tonne or EUR 40.00/1,000 tonne-kilometres per year, or EUR 300.00 per freight wagon or EUR 120.00 per 100 freight wagon-kilometres.
Open Until:
31.12.2025
Award Channel:
Demand Driven Scheme
Region:
Germany
Sectors:
Transportation and Logistics
Beneficiaries:
Commercial enterprises investing in rail freight transport facilities.
Funding Stages:
Implementation, Infrastructure
Funding Provider
Program Level: National
Funding Body: Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV)
Managed By: Federal Railway Authority (EBA)
Website: Eisenbahn-Bundesamt