ProRail strengthens its geotechnical approach to prevent railway subsidence

ProRail is taking additional measures to prevent track subsidence and further improve the reliability of the Dutch rail network. One of the key steps is to step up geotechnical investigations.

The new framework agreement for Geotechnical Investigation Services II has been in force since 1 August 2025, with a maximum value of €64 million. Implementation has now been underway for six months and the investigations are in full swing. The initial results confirm that the new approach is working and that the sector is benefiting from a more professional, forward-looking working method.

Importance of ground information

The recent subsidence near Vught earlier this month, which brought rail traffic on the busy corridor between Den Bosch and Tilburg to a complete standstill, underlines the importance of a solid geotechnical foundation. The subsidence was caused by piling work in the vicinity, which temporarily reduced the bearing capacity of the subsoil and caused the track to become misaligned.

Four specialist parties

For ProRail, safety always comes first. The organisation is therefore investing heavily in better understanding, monitoring and managing subsoil risks. The new framework agreement will be implemented by four specialist parties:

• MOS Grondmechanica (soon te be SOCOTEC Nederland)
• Geonius Geotechniek
• Fugro NL Land 
• Combination of BAM Infraconsult – Wiertsema & Partners

They carry out ground investigations, drilling, installation of monitoring wells and laboratory testing. These investigations form the basis for a safe, reliable and future-proof rail infrastructure. The positive experiences gained from the first framework agreement in 2019 prompted the decision to extend the new framework agreement. We are moving towards an additional contractor, a longer term (of up to eight years) and greater capacity to meet the growing demand for geotechnical investigations.