{"id":151854,"date":"2025-06-25T07:06:03","date_gmt":"2025-06-25T07:06:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/theres-a-way-for-a-truck-to-travel-from-italy-to-madrid-without-spending-a-euro-on-diesel-by-putting-it-on-a-train\/"},"modified":"2025-06-25T07:06:04","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T07:06:04","slug":"theres-a-way-for-a-truck-to-travel-from-italy-to-madrid-without-spending-a-euro-on-diesel-by-putting-it-on-a-train","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/theres-a-way-for-a-truck-to-travel-from-italy-to-madrid-without-spending-a-euro-on-diesel-by-putting-it-on-a-train\/","title":{"rendered":"There\u2019s a way for a truck to travel from Italy to Madrid without spending a euro on diesel: by putting it on a train."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From Italy to Madrid by Truck\u2014but Without Hitting the Road<\/h2>\n

The innovative concept of the \u00a0railway highway\u00a0 connects Italy with the Spanish capital, allowing the transport of goods at low costs while significantly reducing \u00a0pollution emissions\u00a0. This project, previously tested in Spain, is poised to expand its reach into Portugal.<\/p>\n

The Journey of Trucks Transformed<\/h2>\n

From Italy to Madrid<\/strong>. This is the remarkable journey undertaken by trucks powered by Tramesa<\/a>, a company facilitating a unique service in the transport landscape. Essentially, trucks originate from Italy, travel hundreds of kilometers, yet consume not a single drop of diesel fuel along the way.<\/p>\n

According to reports from \u00a0El Pa\u00eds\u00a0, these trucks arrive at the port of Valencia, where colossal cranes lift them onto a railway platform. Here, the truck gets converted into a shipping container that travels by rail all the way to Madrid. Once in the capital, the truck returns to the road to distribute the goods.<\/p>\n

Understanding the Railway Highway<\/h2>\n

What is a railway highway?<\/strong> This system involves utilizing railway tracks to transport trucks instead of the conventional road systems. Currently, this service is operational solely between Madrid and Valencia, but there are plans for expansion extending to Portugal.<\/p>\n

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The Environmental Advantages<\/h2>\n

Does it make sense?<\/strong> Absolutely! The railway highway proves to be an environmentally friendly option. According to Adif<\/a>, using trucks as railway containers is nearly five times less polluting compared to road transport, which involves tire and brake wear and a substantial consumption of diesel.<\/p>\n

Moreover, this method is advantageous for transport companies. The journey can occur with or without a cab on the truck. Without a cab, the expenses related to drivers decrease as trucks can travel autonomously on the train. As a result, a driver can operate a tractor at the origin, drop off the trailer, and another driver at the destination can pick up the cargo with a second tractor. This drastically reduces both driving hours and distance.<\/p>\n

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The Spanish Context<\/h2>\n

Currently, the only active railway highway links Valencia\u2019s port to Madrid. However, this system isn’t entirely novel. There have been previous attempts, with the most recent not far back in time.<\/p>\n

In 2019<\/a>, Renfe Mercanc\u00edas and VIIA, a subsidiary of SNCF, initiated a service with up to six trains bi-weekly between Barcelona and Bettembourg (Luxembourg). Unfortunately, the project was canceled shortly after due to the \u00a0COVID-19 crisis\u00a0 and was reactivated in 2022 before ultimately closing down just months later.<\/p>\n

According to Trenvista<\/em><\/a>, this case is just the latest example of attempts in Spain. Back in the late 1980s, a railway highway was established between Madrid and Barcelona, but operations ceased two years later following an accident.<\/p>\n

Railway Highways Across Europe<\/h2>\n

Outside Spain, the transportation of goods via railway highways isn\u2019t a new concept either. VIIA, the firm planning to exploit the connection between Barcelona and Luxembourg, maintains \u00a0four exclusive lines\u00a0 and collaborates on another four with different operators.<\/p>\n

Their operations are mainly found in \u00a0France\u00a0, with one line extending into Italy, primarily collecting cargo reaching via the \u00a0Eurotunnel\u00a0. This arrangement showcases the benefits of combining significant ports and cities with efficient railway connections.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, France was the first to introduce a railway highway in 1936. Following World War II, services expanded with the \u00a0Alpine Railway Highway\u00a0, which connects France and Italy near Turin.<\/p>\n

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Looking Ahead<\/h2>\n

While the future remains uncertain, institutions are striving to finalize additional projects. Currently, there are a total of \u00a015 projects\u00a0 underway at various stages.<\/p>\n

In operation on narrow gauge, we have the Valencia-Madrid connection, and there are active developments for:<\/p>\n