Global demand for rail investment continues to grow. Governments around the world increasingly recognize the economic, social and environmental benefits that railways can bring. High-speed passenger systems help to promote modal shift, contribute to the development of low carbon economies and foster economic regeneration at regional and national levels. Enhancements to conventional passenger systems also play their part. Metros and light rail schemes improve the delivery of urban public transport and alleviate congestion. Freight railways provide greener, more sustainable ways to transport goods and can support economic development in emerging markets that are rich in natural resources.

This exciting, dynamic sector creates challenges as well as opportunities for buyers and suppliers alike. What kind of legal and regulatory environment attracts private sector participation and funding? How is the public interest protected? What are the risks and where and how should they be allocated? These are some of the many issues facing the rail industry globally.

You may be an established participant in this sector, looking to expand or gain market entry in a new jurisdiction or diversify into a different segment of the market. You want expert, credible and knowledgeable support, from people in the right places who know the relevant market and international best practices. Dentons has been at the heart of the rail industry for decades. Our team includes recognized leaders in the field and people drawn from the industry or seconded to it. We have worked on some of the world’s biggest projects, of national and regional significance. Dentons’ support to clients in their day-to-day operations informs our work on strategic and market-changing opportunities, a circle of experience and expertise that sets us apart. 

Insights

CPK: Tenders for around PLN 30 billion this year (approx. €7 billion)

May 7, 2025

Poland: This year, CPK will launch tenders totalling around PLN 30 billion. These will include the construction of roads or construction work for the Warsaw-Lodz railway line. Currently, tenders worth around PLN 4 billion are being conducted for the construction of a long-distance tunnel in Łódź and the creation of a baggage system.

What does the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024 mean for the rail industry in the UK?

December 23, 2024

United Kingdom: The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024 (the Act) is set to renationalise passenger rail services operated under the current franchising model in Britain and represents a significant step in reshaping the UK's rail industry.

Resilience and innovation: how Ukraine’s agricultural sector is improving logistics and optimizing operations

December 18, 2024

Ukraine: For millennia, Ukraine’s fertile lands have been a cradle of agriculture, cultivated since the time of the Cucuteni–Trypillia culture, one of Europe’s earliest farming civilizations. Today, Ukraine boasts nearly a third of the world’s most fertile black soil and remains a global breadbasket.

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News and Events

Recent Press Releases

Dentons wins two major awards at IJGlobal MENA Awards 2025

May 5, 2025

Dentons has received two awards at the IJGlobal MENA Awards 2025, held in Dubai on 30 April. The Firm was recognised for its role in two landmark deals.

Project Finance International (PFI) has named Hafeet Rail as a Deal of the Year at its 2024 Project Finance International Awards

March 10, 2025

Dentons advised on the Hafeet Rail project, that was named Middle East & Africa Transport Deal of the Year at the Project Finance International Awards, which took place in London on 20 February.

Dentons Secures Federal Transportation Grants for Railroad Projects

November 7, 2024

Dentons successfully helped secure more than $45 million in federal grants for a short line railroad client through the Transportation Department’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program.

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