LION Logistics GmbH Secures €2.79 Million Contract for Combined Transport Terminal Track Construction

A contract for track construction works worth €2.79 million has been awarded by LION Logistics GmbH. The contract, won by Rhomberg Sersa Gleisbau GmbH, demonstrates how German logistics companies are investing in rail infrastructure to expand combined transport capabilities and support the modal shift from road to rail.

Introduction

Every intermodal freight terminal depends on reliable rail infrastructure to handle the growing demand for combined transport. In Forst, in the Lausitz region of Brandenburg, LION Logistics GmbH is expanding its combined transport terminal to increase capacity for the transhipment of truck trailers onto rail wagons. The company has taken a significant step to achieve this by awarding a new contract for track construction works.

While not a headline-grabbing mega-project, this contract is fundamental to expanding Germany's rail freight capacity and supporting the shift from road to rail. It reveals a great deal about how private logistics companies are investing in rail infrastructure to meet growing demand for sustainable freight transport.

Why This Contract Matters

LION Logistics GmbH is a German logistics company operating in the Lausitz region, with a focus on intermodal transport and logistics services. The company is developing a combined transport (KV) terminal in Forst for the transhipment of truck trailers onto rail wagons, located in the Logistik- und Industriezentrum Lausitz.

The expansion includes the construction of new track connections and the extension of existing rail infrastructure to create two parallel loading tracks of approximately 700 metres each. This will significantly increase the terminal's capacity for handling combined transport, supporting the growing demand for rail freight services.

Contract Timeline

• Contract award notice published: 3 August 2026 (OJ S 147/2026)
• Date winner chosen: 13 July 2026
• Contract concluded: 24 July 2026
• Coverage start date: 9 September 2026
• Coverage end date: 12 December 2026

Contract Overview

LION Logistics GmbH conducted an open procedure for track construction works for the expansion of the combined transport terminal in Forst. The works include the construction of approximately 1,613 metres of ballasted track, 4 switches (type 49-150-1:6.6), and 20 track drainage boxes.

The total contract value awarded is €2,792,308.80. The contract duration is approximately 3 months, from 9 September to 12 December 2026. The procurement received three tenders, with Rhomberg Sersa Gleisbau GmbH selected as the winner based on price (100% weighting).

Key Contract Details

Detail	Information
Contracting Authority	LION Logistics GmbH
Winning Bidder	Rhomberg Sersa Gleisbau GmbH
Contract Subject	Track construction works (CPV 45234116)
Procedure Type	Open procedure
Legal Basis	Directive 2014/24/EU, VOB/A-EU
Value of Contract Awarded	€2,792,308.80
Track Length	1,613 metres of ballasted track
Switches	4 switches (type 49-150-1:6.6)
Drainage	20 track drainage boxes
Contract Duration	9 September 2026 – 12 December 2026
Award Criteria	Price (100%)
Bids Received	3
EU Funding	None disclosed
Covered by GPA	Yes
Review Organisation	Vergabekammer des Bundes beim Bundeskartellamt

Project Scope

The contract covers track construction works for the expansion of the combined transport terminal in Forst. The scope includes:

• Track Construction: Construction of approximately 1,613 metres of ballasted track.
• Switches: Installation of 4 switches (type 49-150-1:6.6) to connect the new tracks to the existing rail infrastructure.
• Drainage: Installation of 20 track drainage boxes.
• Demolition Works: Demolition of existing track infrastructure and gravel areas.
• Earthworks: Soil replacement and earthworks to prepare the site for track construction.
• Two Parallel Tracks: Creation of two parallel loading tracks of approximately 700 metres each.

The terminal is located at Holunderweg 1 in Forst, with rail connection to the single-track, non-electrified Cottbus – Wrocław line via an existing connecting track. The project also includes drainage through a stormwater retention basin with throttled discharge into the municipal wastewater system.

About the Contracting Authority

LION Logistics GmbH is a German logistics company based in Forst, Brandenburg, operating in the Lausitz region. The company specialises in intermodal transport, logistics services, and terminal operations. LION Logistics is developing a combined transport (KV) terminal in the Logistik- und Industriezentrum Lausitz for the transhipment of truck trailers onto rail wagons, contributing to the modal shift from road to rail and supporting sustainable freight transport.

About the Winning Company

Rhomberg Sersa Gleisbau GmbH is a large German railway construction company based in Dresden, part of the Rhomberg Sersa Group, a leading European railway construction and maintenance company. The company specialises in track construction, railway infrastructure, and maintenance services. With extensive experience in railway construction projects across Germany and Europe, Rhomberg Sersa brings the expertise required for the Forst terminal track construction.

For this contract, Rhomberg Sersa is using subcontracting with an estimated subcontracting value of €434,000 (approximately 16% of the contract value). The subcontracting includes specialist works for the track construction project.

Procurement Analysis

Procedure: An open procedure was used, following the German VOB/A-EU (Construction Contract Procedures). Three tenders were received, all submitted electronically via the procurement portal.

Competition: Three bids were received for this contract, reflecting a healthy level of competition in the German railway construction market.

Award Criteria: Price was the sole award criterion with 100% weighting, based on the total price submitted. This reflects the nature of track construction works where technical specifications are clearly defined in the tender documents, making price the primary differentiator among qualified bidders.

Electronic Submission: All tender submissions were required to be made electronically via the Aumass procurement portal. Postal, email, and fax submissions were not permitted, reflecting the digitalisation of German public procurement.

GPA Status: The procurement is covered by the World Trade Organization's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), meaning it was, in principle, open to qualifying international bidders.

Additional Procurement Facts

• Three tenders were received for this procurement.
• Rhomberg Sersa Gleisbau GmbH was ranked first with the lowest price.
• The contract includes subcontracting with an estimated value of €434,000 (16%).
• The contract duration is approximately 3 months.
• All submissions were required to be made electronically via the Aumass portal.
• No EU funding was used for this procurement.
• Disputes or review requests fall to the Vergabekammer des Bundes beim Bundeskartellamt.

Market & Industry Perspective

The German railway construction market is competitive, with several contractors capable of delivering track construction projects. The three bids received for this contract reflect a healthy level of competition for a specialised infrastructure project.

The price-only award criterion reflects the nature of track construction works where technical specifications are clearly defined in the tender documents. With the scope of work detailed, the contracting authority can compare bids primarily on cost while ensuring that all bidders meet the technical requirements.

The expansion of combined transport terminals is part of a broader trend in Germany towards increasing rail freight capacity and supporting the modal shift from road to rail. This project contributes to the development of sustainable freight transport infrastructure in the Lausitz region.

Economic Significance

At €2.79 million, this contract represents a significant investment in rail freight infrastructure in the Lausitz region. The expanded combined transport terminal will increase capacity for the transhipment of truck trailers onto rail wagons, supporting sustainable freight transport and reducing road congestion.

For Rhomberg Sersa Gleisbau GmbH, the contract provides a revenue stream and the opportunity to demonstrate its track construction capabilities in a key infrastructure project.

Future Procurement Opportunities

This contract covers track construction for the combined transport terminal. Related procurement opportunities may include:

• Electrification of the connecting line
• Terminal equipment and handling systems
• Road and access infrastructure
• Building construction for terminal facilities

Opportunities for Suppliers

Railway construction companies active in the German market should note the growing demand for combined transport terminal infrastructure. The price-only award criterion rewards suppliers who can offer competitive pricing while delivering high-quality track construction.

Key success factors include: competitive pricing, proven experience in track construction, compliance with railway construction standards, and the ability to deliver within tight timelines.

What Businesses Should Watch

• Similar combined transport terminal projects in other German regions.
• The development of LION Logistics' terminal and related infrastructure.
• The evolution of rail freight and combined transport demand.
• Opportunities for subcontracting with Rhomberg Sersa Gleisbau GmbH.

GermanyTender Procurement Intelligence

This contract is a useful case study in how private logistics companies are investing in rail infrastructure to support the modal shift from road to rail. LION Logistics GmbH has secured a €2.79 million contract for track construction at its Forst combined transport terminal, with Rhomberg Sersa Gleisbau GmbH selected through a competitive open procedure.

The most notable feature of this tender is the price-only award criterion (100%), which reflects the nature of track construction works where technical specifications are clearly defined in the tender documents. With the scope of work detailed, the contracting authority can compare bids primarily on cost while ensuring that all bidders meet the technical requirements.

The three bids received reflect a healthy level of competition in the German railway construction market, demonstrating that there is significant interest in combined transport terminal projects.

The electronic-only submission requirement reflects the digitalisation of German procurement, requiring suppliers to be familiar with procurement platforms such as Aumass.

For suppliers, the lesson is that competitive pricing is essential for track construction contracts, but proven experience and technical capability are equally important. Companies that can demonstrate both are best positioned for these contracts.

Supplier Takeaways

• Price is the sole award criterion (100%).
• Competitive pricing is essential for success.
• Electronic submission via procurement portals is mandatory.
• Proven experience in track construction is critical.
• Combined transport terminals are a growing market segment.
• Three bids received – healthy competition.

Key Takeaways

• LION Logistics GmbH awarded a €2.79 million track construction contract to Rhomberg Sersa Gleisbau GmbH.
• The contract covers 1,613 metres of track, 4 switches, and 20 drainage boxes.
• Award criteria: Price (100%).
• Three bids were received, with a large railway construction company winning.
• Contract duration: 9 September 2026 – 12 December 2026.
• The project expands combined transport capacity in the Lausitz region.

Conclusion

This is not a contract that will make national headlines, but it reflects something structurally important about how Germany is expanding its rail freight infrastructure to support sustainable transport. By awarding a €2.79 million contract for track construction to Rhomberg Sersa Gleisbau GmbH, LION Logistics GmbH ensures that its combined transport terminal in Forst can handle growing demand for rail freight services. The contract demonstrates the importance of price competition, the value of specialised track construction expertise, and the critical role of rail infrastructure in supporting the modal shift from road to rail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is LION Logistics GmbH?

It is a German logistics company based in Forst, Brandenburg, specialising in intermodal transport and terminal operations.

Q: What is a combined transport (KV) terminal?

It is a terminal where freight is transferred between different modes of transport, in this case between road (trucks) and rail (trains).

Q: What does this contract cover?

It covers track construction works including 1,613 metres of ballasted track, 4 switches, and 20 drainage boxes.

Q: Who is the winning bidder?

Rhomberg Sersa Gleisbau GmbH, a large German railway construction company based in Dresden.

Q: Is this contract funded by the EU?

No. The notice confirms the project is not financed with EU funds, though it is governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 533485-2026, OJ S 147/2026, published 3 Aug 2026.