Rail Industry Meeting 2025 September 12, 2025 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Trinkhalle im Gradierwerk, Bad Salzungen

As part of the Thuringian Railway Industry Meeting, which took place for the first time this year under the umbrella of the Thuringian Mobility Network (TMN), participants in Bad Salzungen discussed the future of rail freight transport in the state. The focus was on how existing freight potential can be better transferred to rail and what infrastructural conditions are necessary for this.

A central topic was the economic viability of measures to shift freight traffic to rail, combined with practical and strategic impulses for the further development of rail infrastructure in Thuringia. In particular, the reactivation of disused railway lines was considered as a potential lever to unlock logistical potential and strengthen regional value creation. Using concrete examples, such as the successful area development around Bad Salzungen station, it became clear what potential lies in the use of existing rail structures. These insights were supplemented by contributions on the state-wide infrastructure strategy as well as current project statuses from the Thuringian Mobility Network, particularly from the network's working group on rail infrastructure. European perspectives were also incorporated: the research project “Rail4Regions” was presented, along with innovative approaches to strengthening regional rail connections. Finally, the presentation of the “RailHubFinder” offered participants a future-oriented digital added value for identifying freight potential.

With the industry meeting in Bad Salzungen, the state government is visibly placing South Thuringia at the center of mobility development. The regional anchoring and concrete project plans were welcomed by the representatives on site. A central concern of the initiators was also to raise awareness and mobilize Thuringian companies to activate and use rail infrastructure. It became clear: The connection between road and rail is gaining momentum – the potential of rail has been recognized and is being actively developed.