Dutch railway manager starts wartime preparations due to rising geopolitical tensions

Dutch railway manager ProRail is preparing for a possible outbreak of war, although they do not currently have war protocols in place, a spokesperson confirmed after initial reporting by BNR. The broadcaster reported on Friday that companies, authorities, and organizations already have emergency plans, or are in contact with the national government to prepare for the moment that war breaks out.

One of the issues that the railway manager is currently undertaking in preparation is making the country's most vital freight corridors ready to handle longer trains. ProRail is also looking into options for wider trains to run on the tracks, because military equipment is often too wide for regular trains.

Organizations and political parties in Europe have been more on edge recently, particularly after the argument between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the White House. This led to reports that the U.S. may stop providing support to Ukraine as it defends against Russia's military. This has led to many European countries generating more significant investments in their defense departments.

ProRail does not yet have a clear war plan, but they do intend to develop one. The company wants the protocol to ensure a more flexible definition of existing rules in order to give military transports preference on the tracks if necessary.

Infrastructure is of “essential importance” during a war, said ProRail. “Evacuation of people, humanitarian aid, and military transports happen via the railway. We will also be able to do this during wartime.”

ProRail also pointed out that Russia has often targeted Ukraine’s railways in the conflict. The company is looking into options for repairing tracks during war, including an inventory of the number of supplies needed to conduct repairs, BNR reported.

Water supply companies are also prepared for war, said Vewin, the national association of water companies in the Netherlands. The companies have to submit their supply plans every four years.

This happened recently, and the plans were also updated to suit the current circumstances and expected threats. “We are definitely on edge, but we always were,” said a spokesperson for Vewin.