War Prep Puts Military Trains First

The Dutch government is prioritizing military trains over passenger and freight traffic, a direct response to rising geopolitical threats in Europe.

Why it matters: The policy shift makes the abstract threat of conflict a concrete reality for commuters, signaling that military readiness now takes precedence over daily convenience on one of the world's busiest rail networks.

The big picture: The Netherlands serves as a critical logistics hub for NATO, with major ports connecting directly to rail lines that can speed military hardware toward Eastern Europe.

State of play: Currently, military transports are last in line for track access, forcing them to run at night or face significant planning delays that can take months.

Details: The new rule, set to begin in late 2026, will only apply to transports deemed "urgent" by the government, such as ammunition shipments or time-sensitive deployments for a specific threat.

Yes, but: Prioritizing trains won't solve all logistical hurdles, as officials admit that cross-border bureaucracy and paperwork can still delay a tank transport for up to a month.

What to watch: The Dutch government and rail operator ProRail are now investigating which bridges and tracks need upgrades to handle the weight and size of heavy military equipment.