New draft Capacity Models have been released.
You can now influence and improve your future operations and daily work by giving feedback.
The publication of Capacity Models in the European Capacity Management Tool (ECMT) serves as strategic capacity planning instrument.
And it’s a key milestone in the implementation of the forthcoming EU Regulation on Railway Capacity.
What Are Capacity Models?
Capacity Models are the visual representations of all known and expected capacity volumes, compiled by IMs.
They are essential for the efficient use of the rail network and improving timetable accuracy. Key benefits, include:
- A clear overview of planned volumes of capacity – for both freight and passenger transport
- ‘Intended Capacity Usage Values’
- Optimisation of the rail network (incl. reduction of congestions)
For rail operators and planners, these models serve as vital tools in managing track capacity fairly and effectively.
Harmonised Capacity Models will enable IMs to allocate resources more efficiently and mitigate potential bottlenecks.
Working Toward the EU Regulation on Railway Capacity
The Capacity Models support the overall goal of a more competitive and sustainable rail transport across Europe.
They are a key element in the future legal framework – the forthcoming EU Regulation on Railway Capacity – which aims to improve coordination, transparency, and harmonisation of capacity planning across the European rail network.
Capacity Models Published in ECMT
To ensure alignment across borders, Capacity Models are published in the European Capacity Management Tool (ECMT).
The European Capacity Management Tool (ECMT) is an online application providing a central, visual overview of capacity supply and planned capacity models along railway lines and routes – without any paperwork.
Latest Updates of Capacity Models in ECMT
4 Infrastructure Managers (IMs) have recently published their draft Capacity Models:
- MÁV (Hungary)
- RFI (Italy)
- SŽ – Infrastuktura (Slovenia)
- Infrabel (Belgium)
Several further Capacity Models are not yet publicly visible in ECMT, but additional publications are expected:
- In Preparation: Správa železnic and ŽSR – each working on several objects
- Upcoming Publications: SNCF-R and ProRail have announced their planned uploads
We recommend that stakeholders to stay tuned for further updates as the geographical coverage continues to expand across Europe.
Notably, the current publication status for timetabling period 2027 already marks a significant step forward compared to earlier timetable periods.
Examples from Published Draft Capacity Models
Below are 3 examples of published overviews available in ECMT:
MÁV – Hungary
Line level overview from Győr to Hegyeshalom.
- Light blue: Freight International
- Light green: Passenger International
- Dark green: Passenger National
- Continuous green line under each hour: Intended Capacity Usage Line (ICL)
RFI – Italy
Segment overview from Brennero to PC Terme di Brennero:
- Light blue: Freight International
- Light green: Passenger International
- Dark green: Passenger National
MÁV – Hungary
Network overview generated for 15 April 2025.
- Green: Capacity surplus
- Orange: Sufficient capacity
- Red: Possible capacity shortage
Improve Your Operations – Give Feedback
The draft Capacity Models are now available for review in ECMT.
Infrastructure Managers invite all applicants to share their feedback, including:
- Train operators
- Rail service providers
- Other stakeholders
How to provide feedback:
- Log in to ECMT (either as an anonymous user or via your existing or freshly created user account)
- Review the draft Capacity Models
- Identify the relevant National TTR Implementation Manager
- Send your feedback by email
By actively participating in this consultation process, you can help make the draft Capacity Models more practical, efficient and aligned with industry requirements – ultimately improving your future operations and day-to-day work.
Thank you for your contribution.