Development of Rail Freight Transport Considering the International Intermodal Transport and Logistics: Lithuanian Case

Abstract

Rail transport allows transporting large and heavy loads at relatively low transport costs, in observance of precise departure and arrival schedules, offering safety, reliability, regularity of transport, low dependence on weather conditions, and environmental friendliness, which have a positive impact on logistics decisions. More extensive use and development of railways is essential to meet the demand for sustainable transport, reduce road occupancy, environmental pollution and energy consumption. The Authors examine the importance of the synergies of railway transport, logistics and intermodal transport, as well as the analysis of the indicators and trends of freight transport by rail in Lithuania and recommendations for the development of rail freight transport. The application of expert judgment in order to create a plan for increasing the infrastructure capacity of railway lines, as well as for properly selected measures to increase the capacity of the infrastructure are emphasized.