Dutch gov’t strengthening infrastructure to make Netherlands “war proof”
The Dutch government is strengthening infrastructure across the country to prepare for potential military conflict, including reinforcing bridges, raising viaducts, and extending train platforms, officials said.
According to AD, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Robert Tieman and State Secretary Thierry Aartsen told reporters that these measures aim to make the country “war-ready,” ensuring military equipment can be transported from ports like Vlissingen, Rotterdam, and Eemshaven to the east.
“You have long freight trains of 740 meters. If a platform ends before the train stops, it creates a problem for loading equipment,” Aartsen said. “Not all bridges are strong enough for prolonged heavy transport.”
Tieman highlighted risks posed by low viaducts and bridges needing reinforcement. He said authorities are identifying more than 65 critical infrastructure points in the Netherlands that must be addressed urgently. Security concerns prevent them from naming the locations.
The officials cited past disruptions, including copper theft at the Spijkenisserbrug and arson on railway lines near Schiphol during the NATO summit. “If you cut 28 cables in one location, you can paralyze half of northern Amsterdam,” Aartsen told reporters.
Current infrastructure has been optimized for efficiency over resilience. “Maybe we need extra protective measures, like additional control houses, so half the country doesn’t shut down if something happens,” Tieman said.
Officials also noted constraints in rail operations. “We have no extra rail capacity, so buffer zones are necessary,” Tieman said. Currently, military transport reportedly lacks priority on the national rail network. Aartsen suggested a potential “military Schengen” to allow rapid troop and equipment movement.
“Every step we take contributes to deterrence,” Aartsen said. “Resilience is not just what the Defense Minister does.” Tieman added, “I sometimes say the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is the real war ministry. If we don’t perform well, everything fails.”
The government has also asked former Defense State Secretary Christophe van der Maat to lead a resilience task force, bringing together twelve critical sectors—including ProRail, NS, ports, water authorities, and Rijkswaterstaat.
