The ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) has reinforced its position in the Italian rail freight market by signing a ten-year strategic cooperation agreement with Terminal Sona, located near Verona. The deal secures long-term capacity at one of Italy’s most promising logistics hubs and supports RCG’s continued commitment to promoting rail as a sustainable alternative to road transport.
Terminal Sona, already a fully functional intermodal facility, offers two arrival and departure tracks and four operational tracks, each 600 metres in length. Spanning 110,000 square metres, the terminal is equipped to handle a wide range of intermodal logistics services, including container transfer between rail and road.
Looking ahead, the site is set for significant expansion. A major increase in capacity is planned by 2028, with new regular train services expected to launch as early as next year. The terminal’s development into a central European distribution hub is a core component of RCG’s strategy, with preparations already under way to facilitate additional freight flows via Sona.
Strategic hub for pan-European freight flows
RCG’s long-term cooperation aims to position Terminal Sona as a key intermodal gateway linking Southern, Northern, and Eastern Europe. The site is expected to handle up to 30 train departures per week, supporting efficient and sustainable logistics across the continent. Around 30 local staff ensure smooth daily operations.
Integrated TransFER services via Verona
Sona is already integrated into several of RCG’s international TransFER connections – direct, scheduled freight services that link key economic regions across Europe. Current services include:
- TransFER Vienna–Verona: Twice weekly in both directions.
- TransFER Verona–Hannover: Four times weekly in both directions.
- TransFER Verona–Wuppertal: Eight times weekly as a non-stop service.
These connections play an important role in shifting freight from road to rail, helping to reduce congestion along routes such as the heavily trafficked Brenner corridor and easing pressure on Alpine regions like Tyrol.
Investing in sustainable logistics infrastructure
The ten-year agreement represents a targeted investment by RCG in the future of European freight transport. By securing long-term access to a growing terminal, the company is strengthening its operational base in Italy while offering customers enhanced capacity and reliability for international logistics.
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