The Belgian government has decided to update Infrabel’s investment plan through an amendment to the Performance Contract, a measure that brings to the forefront four railway infrastructure projects deemed feasible in the short term. At the same time, some initiatives already included in the plan are being postponed, in order to stay within the available budget and ensure the efficient use of European funds. The revision is part of the 2023–2032 Multiannual Investment Plan, a reference document built around five major strategic directions.

Through these adjustments, Belgium is strengthening its efforts to modernize the railway network, focusing resources where the impact can be felt more quickly. Recent decisions clarify the status of projects that have faced delays and, at the same time, allow investments to be directed toward solutions tailored to current rail transport needs.

As a result of this recalibration, Infrabel’s investment plan through 2032 more accurately reflects the actual status of the projects. Initiatives requiring additional preparatory steps are rescheduled for gradual implementation, while mature projects that can be implemented more quickly are given priority.

The plan update provides clarification regarding the postponement of two major projects. The first of these is the cross-border initiative to modernize and expand the rail infrastructure between the port area of Ghent in Belgium and Terneuzen in the Netherlands. The project aims to shift a significant portion of freight transport from road to rail, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the North Sea port region.

Between 2017 and 2020, several preliminary studies were conducted to identify bottlenecks and opportunities, and subsequently, the Belgian and Dutch authorities agreed to launch the project through a letter of intent. At the end of 2024, the exploratory phase began, during which Infrabel developed a regional plan, and ProRail analyzed environmental and planning aspects. Although the tender procedures were initially scheduled to begin in 2028, the timeline was revised, and the project was postponed.

This initiative aims in particular to eliminate existing constraints on the west bank of the canal, where traffic is restricted, as well as to increase the average speed of trains, currently around 30 km/h. It also aims to modernize level crossings and integrate the line into the European freight corridor linking the North Sea to the Baltic Sea.

The second postponed project concerns improving accessibility at the Antwerp-Berchem station, where further consultations are needed to determine an optimal and coherent solution from both a technical and urban planning perspective.

The two projects will not be initiated before 2030, and some of the activities will be pushed back to after 2032. Consequently, the funds initially allocated are being reallocated. The Ghent–Terneuzen project loses EUR 87.5 million in funding, and the modernization of the Antwerp-Berchem station, EUR 37 million.

In total, EUR 124.5 million is being redirected to other initiatives, supplemented by approximately EUR 52 million from European funding.

Thus, a total budget of EUR 151 million is being directed toward new projects or those not previously included in the 2023–2032 plan. The investments primarily target infrastructure in ports and stations, as well as areas such as safety and digitalisation, where rapid implementation can generate immediate benefits for the rail system.

Infrabel representatives emphasize that the plan’s new structure allows for faster results, both for users and for the national economy, while maintaining financial balance.

Infrabel’s investment plan now includes four new projects, selected based on their impact and high readiness for implementation.

The most significant of these, from a financial standpoint, involves adapting non-electrified railway lines for battery-powered train operations. With a value of EUR 27.5 million, the project offers a more affordable alternative than traditional electrification and supports the transition to cleaner transport. The work will be carried out on routes such as Gant–Eeklo, Aalst–Burst, De Pinte–Ronse, and Melle–Geraardsbergen.

Another project, valued at EUR 21.5 million, aims to improve military mobility by adapting the infrastructure for trains up to 750 meters long and by strengthening connections with the main logistics corridors. In addition to their strategic role, these interventions will also contribute to increasing the efficiency of commercial rail transport.

With funding of EUR 15.6 million, the plan is to double-track Line 19 between Mol and Neerpelt, a measure that will increase the capacity and reliability of passenger and freight transport. The project is of particular importance for east–west connections, facilitating better links with the Netherlands, Germany, and Eastern Europe.

Finally, the fourth project, valued at EUR 2.6 million, aims to improve rail access to the Pairi Daiza area by modernizing the Cambron Casteau stop. The investment aims to increase the appeal of rail travel for tourists, reduce road traffic, and support the local economy near one of Belgium’s most popular tourist destinations.

In addition to these projects, Infrabel is involved in port rail infrastructure projects totaling EUR 68.7 million, distributed among projects in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the North Sea Port, and the Port of Ostend.

Station projects are also significant, with many already included in the investment plan but, until recently, lacking secured funding. Currently, these projects have a real chance of receiving financial support. In the Flanders region (northern Belgium), this involves the stations Halle, De Hoek, Holleken, and Landen, for which a total budget of EUR 24.5 million is allocated.

In the capital, investments target a larger number of stations, including Brussels-Midi, Etterbeek, Haren-Sud, Schaerbeek, Uccle-Stalle, Forest-Est, Uccle-Kalevoet, and Bordet, with the allocated amount totaling EUR 57.8 million. The planned works focus primarily on modernizing the platforms and improving passenger access to them, with the aim of enhancing the overall rail travel experience.