The Draft Capacity Strategies for Timetable 2030 are now available for consultation, offering an early glimpse into planned rail capacity development across many European networks and inviting stakeholder feedback to shape final strategies.
The consultation period of the Draft Capacity Strategies for Timetable 2030 ends on 16 November 2026, except for ADIF, which accepts consultation responses until 21 October 2026.
All published draft Capacity Strategies are available on the dedicated page on RNE’s website.
What are Capacity Strategies?
Capacity Strategies provide an early and transparent view of how rail capacity will be developed and managed leading up to the respective timetable year.
They serve as a common basis for communication, consultation and coordination with operational stakeholders throughout the Advance Capacity Planning process, detailing:
- Expected future demand for rail capacity.
- Planned developments of the rail infrastructure.
- Principles applied in traffic and temporary capacity restriction planning.
This early information helps Railway Undertakings (RUs), authorities and decision-makers to plan railway capacity more accurately and identify future bottlenecks, supporting improved international coordination across the European rail network. The Capacity Strategies are also an integral part of the new Capacity Management process as defined in the Capacity Regulation (2026/1184, Article 18).
Help us shape the final version of the Strategies
The draft phase is of high importance: before publication of final versions, Capacity Strategies are shared with stakeholders for consultation and feedback.
RUs, other applicants, authorities, terminals, and service facilities are invited to review the drafts and provide input via the IM’s email addresses indicated on RNE’s website.
The perspective of sector stakeholders is essential to ensure that the Strategies reflect real operational needs and priorities, both nationally and across borders. All feedback received will be carefully considered and incorporated into the published final versions.
Building on established progress
2030 marks the sixth consecutive timetable year for which Capacity Strategies are being developed. It is also the final year before the new Capacity Management Regulation requirements come into effect. This year’s publication presents a chance for European IMs to familiarise themselves with the preparation methods and content before they become a mandatory part of capacity management.
Next Steps
Following the stakeholder consultations, the final Capacity Strategies for Timetable 2030 are expected to be published in mid-December 2026. They will then support the development of Capacity Models, which translate strategies into practical terms.
The Capacity Models detail total capacity by network section and hour, including cross-border flows, and account for major infrastructure works that may affect operations.
In early 2027, once the final Capacity Strategies for Timetable 2030 are published, RNE plans to collect market feedback on the quality and content of the Capacity Strategies. This feedback will provide insights from the target audience of the documents and contribute to the development of future Capacity Strategies.
