AGAINST a background mission of commercial operation within a public service framework, the new Belgian railway infrastructure company, Infrabel, and the new operating company, SNCB, have been given a great start to achieve one of the main aims of the reorganisation--a swift return to break even.
Both companies start debt-free as a result of the state taking over 7.4 billion [euro] of debt. This leaves 2.4 billion [euro] of debt with a new umbrella company, SNCB Holding, that will not impinge on either Infrabel or SNCB. Creation of the holding company completes the reorganisation structure. The state has also set up Railway Infrastructure Funds (FIF) both to manage the ...