Potential for shifting freight transport from road to rail

There are currently 41 rail sidings in the Hanover region that are actively used by 30 companies. A survey of the companies revealed that 3.8 million tons are still transported by rail each year.

Greater growth potential is seen above all in combined transport (CT), i.e., in the transfer from truck to rail. There is considerable growth potential, particularly on the already well-established CT route between Hanover and Nuremberg, but new destinations, such as from Hanover via Berlin to Warsaw or via Cologne to southern Germany, also open up additional potential for shifting freight transport. To this end, freight flows from the neighboring districts of the Hanover region must also be taken into account.

Overall, CO2 emissions of up to 44,000 tons per year could be saved by shifting freight transport from road to rail. In this way, commercial transport can contribute to meeting the ambitious climate protection goals of the Master Plan 100% for Climate Protection in the City and Region of Hanover.

According to the study's recommendations for action, in order to achieve the shift effects, there is a need to establish proactive consulting or "coaching" for improved rail access. This is aimed at existing rail users on the one hand, but also at companies that do not yet use rail or have stopped using it.

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