Upcoming Trade Shows in France for Railway

France’s railway industry is a cornerstone of the nation’s transportation infrastructure thanks to its extensive networks and a strong high-speed rail presence. Recent years have seen the launch of several ongoing modernization efforts in order to overcome decline in passanger travel and a slugghish domestic freight rail sector. France operates one of the world’s largest railway networks, covering nearly 30,000 kilometers. The SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français), the state-owned railway company, manages most of the country's passenger and freight services. The introduction of the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) in 1981 revolutionized travel, as it provides fast connections across France and into neighboring countries. Passenger rail remains dominant in France, with 1.762 billion journeys recorded in 2017. The Paris region plays a critical role, accounting for 82% of national rail ridership through its extensive RER and metro systems. The French railway network is the second most utilized in Europe, following Russia, and ranks among the top five globally in passenger-kilometers traveled. Despite its strengths, challenges persist. The national network faces infrastructure issues, with 5,000 kilometers of track suffering from poor conditions. The government is evaluating a comprehensive modernization strategy to enhance service quality, improve profitability, and prepare SNCF for increased competition. We also have to mention that over the years consumers have sought domestic flights and buses as an alternative to the railway. While passenger rail is stable, freight transport tells a different story. France lags behind the European average, with only 9% of cargo being transported by rail. This figure is significantly lower than in other EU nations, which limits the sector's potential for growth. Liberalization efforts since 2003 have allowed private companies to enter the freight market, yet SNCF's subsidiary, FRET SNCF, remains the dominant player.