French Rail Network Strained by Extreme Heatwave
Signal
SNCF Réseau reported points failures on high-speed lines due to rail expansion from extreme heat.
Impact
negativePassenger services are delayed, impacting travelers, while freight operations are hindered, affecting companies like IKEA reliant on DB Cargo France's intermodal services.
France's rail network is currently facing severe disruptions as temperatures soar to 40°C across many regions. SNCF Réseau, the country's rail infrastructure manager, reported that the extreme heat has caused significant points failures, particularly affecting high-speed lines in the south-west. The heat has led to rail expansion, warping tracks and forcing some trains to halt operations.
As of June 22, 2026, SNCF Réseau announced that the technical issues were resolved by 2 PM local time, but delays persisted as trains were diverted onto conventional mainlines. To mitigate further disruptions, SNCF mobilized a team of 3,500 staff to monitor the network, tracks, overhead power lines, and signaling systems. CEO Jean Castex emphasized the vulnerability of rail components to extreme heat.
While passenger services have garnered significant media attention, freight operations are also severely impacted. Alexandre Gallo, CEO of DB Cargo France, highlighted that many freight trains are being held on the line due to infrastructure failures, particularly concerning overhead lines. Gallo noted that the closure of secondary lines has compounded the issue, with many freight trains unable to operate as repairs are conducted.
DB Cargo France operates an intermodal shuttle service between Metz and the rail freight hub in Paris-Valenton, primarily serving IKEA. Gallo pointed out that the older locomotives in service are ill-suited for extreme heat, necessitating modifications to ensure continued operation. He criticized the underinvestment in the French rail network and the failure to adapt infrastructure to climate change, stating, “This situation was not inevitable.”
In addition to the issues in the south-west, disruptions have also been reported in eastern France, particularly between Metz and Thionville, with a return to normal operations expected later in the evening. The ongoing heatwave has raised concerns about the resilience of the rail network and the need for significant investment to address infrastructure vulnerabilities.
