Rail Gangway Market By Gangway Type (External Gangways, Internal Gangways); By Train Type (Metro & Urban Transit, High-Speed Rail, Commuter & Regional Rail, Light Rail); By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa); Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

1. Introduction and Strategic Context

The Global Rail Gangway Market is projected to reach USD 790.4 million by 2030 , up from an estimated USD 545.2 million in 2024 , expanding at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period (2024–2030), according to Stra tegic Market Research .

 

Rail gangways — the flexible, enclosed passageways that connect railcars — may seem like a minor component, but they’re central to rail passenger experience, safety, and fleet modularity. As governments modernize urban transit systems and operators invest in longer, articulated trains, demand for advanced gangway systems is rising steadily.

 

This isn’t just about physical hardware anymore. Today's gangways must balance flexibility with fire safety, endure high passenger footfall, and adapt to extreme weather conditions — all while aligning with strict EU and North American regulatory frameworks. In fact, fire retardancy standards like EN 45545 in Europe or NFPA 130 in the U.S. are increasingly shaping gangway procurement criteria.

The market sits at the intersection of three major trends:

• Urban rail expansion , especially metro and light rail projects in Asia and the Middle East

• Rolling stock refurbishment , particularly in Europe and North America, where gangway retrofits are part of fleet life-extension programs

• Passenger comfort and safety mandates , pushing OEMs to rethink gangway ergonomics, thermal insulation, and sealing technologies

 

Stakeholders here include railcar OEMs , aftermarket gangway suppliers , urban transit authorities , fire safety certification bodies , and rolling stock leasing firms . Companies like Hubner , Bellow & Bus , and ATG Autotechnik are central to shaping this market — not just by offering durable gangways but by integrating smart materials and low-maintenance designs.

 

In newer markets like India or Southeast Asia, many trains are being designed ground-up with modular, open-gangway concepts to boost passenger capacity and reduce dwell time. In mature markets like France or Japan, next-gen high-speed trains require aerodynamic gangways that don’t disrupt performance at 300 km/h.

 

2. Market Segmentation and Forecast Scope

The rail gangway market is structured along several practical lines — each reflecting how transit authorities and OEMs tailor rolling stock to geography, speed, and service expectations. Below is a breakdown of the most strategic segmentation logic.

By Gangway Type

External Gangways These are mounted outside the train’s car body. Often used in metro and commuter trains due to their ease of maintenance and retrofitting flexibility. These gangways are cheaper but more exposed to weather and wear.

Internal Gangways Fully integrated into the car structure, internal gangways are now standard in high-speed and intercity trains. They offer better thermal insulation, noise control, and a seamless walking experience. Despite the higher upfront cost, their lifecycle efficiency makes them the fastest-growing segment , especially in Europe and East Asia.

By Train Type

Metro & Urban Transit Trains This is the largest segment, accounting for an estimated 44% of demand in 2024 (inferred). High passenger flow, short headways, and frequent stops create unique stresses on gangways. Flexibility and robustness matter more than aesthetics here.

High-Speed Rail A growing niche. Here, aerodynamics, insulation, and noise suppression define gangway design. China, Japan, and France lead this sub-segment with newer bullet trains requiring custom gangway modules rated for 300+ km/h.

Commuter & Regional Rail Often upgraded incrementally. Many regional trainsets in Europe are undergoing midlife refurbishment that includes gangway upgrades — especially to meet newer fire safety codes.

Trams & Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs ) As light rail systems proliferate in Latin America, the Middle East, and North America, LRVs increasingly adopt open-gangway configurations. These systems favor modular gangways for curved alignments and tight spaces.

By Material Type (Optional Cross-Segment)

Fabric Bellows Low-cost, lightweight, and standard in older trains and trams. They're gradually being phased out from premium fleets due to wear issues.

Composite & Rubber-Based Gangways Durable and noise-dampening. Now common in metro systems. The market is shifting toward these as mid-range defaults.

Metal-Reinforced or FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Polymer ) Used in high-speed trains and extreme climates. These are pricier but offer superior fire safety and structural integrity.

By Region

Asia Pacific Leads the market in volume, thanks to new metro networks in India, Vietnam, and China. China remains the largest OEM consumer, but India is the fastest-growing , driven by Make-in-India metro projects.

Europe A retrofit-heavy market. Operators like SNCF (France), Deutsche Bahn (Germany), and Trenitalia (Italy) are modernizing fleets with upgraded gangways. EN 45545 compliance has accelerated demand for low-toxicity materials.

North America Gangway demand is spiking in U.S. cities expanding their metro systems or electrifying commuter rail lines. Buy America provisions are also shaping sourcing decisions.

Middle East & Africa The Middle East is investing heavily in metros (Riyadh, Doha, Cairo), which use gangways to maximize capacity. Africa remains nascent but presents long-term OEM opportunities via public-private rail deals.

Latin America Growing metro expansions in Brazil, Colombia, and Chile are opening up tender opportunities, especially for modular gangway designs that suit existing narrow-gauge rail.

Scope Commentary

While segmentation appears technical, it reflects real-world trade-offs: price vs. performance, retrofitting vs. greenfield deployment, local assembly vs. import. The ability to customize gangways by curvature radius, flame retardancy , and acoustic insulation is becoming a commercial differentiator.

OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are no longer offering one-size-fits-all systems. They're modularizing gangways to match the shifting urban rail landscape.

 

3. Market Trends and Innovation Landscape

The rail gangway market is shifting fast — not just because of urban transit growth, but because of material science advances, new safety norms, and smarter modular engineering. What used to be an afterthought in train design is now a point of innovation and, in some cases, competitive advantage.

Modularization is Becoming the Default

Rail operators now expect gangways to be modular — meaning easily replaceable without dismantling the car shell. OEMs are responding by developing plug-and-play gangway systems , which reduce maintenance downtime and simplify logistics. This is especially critical in metro systems that can’t afford trainsets to sit idle.

According to one rolling stock engineer in Germany, “Ten years ago, you built the gangway around the train. Today, you design the train around serviceability.”

Shift Toward Fire-Rated and Low-Toxicity Materials

Compliance with global fire safety standards is pushing vendors to develop gangways using halogen-free , smoke-suppressant , and flame-retardant materials. In Europe, EN 45545 has become the de facto spec, while in the U.S., NFPA 130 compliance is required for new metro procurements.

New elastomers and composites are now being designed not only for flame resistance, but also to emit low smoke density and toxicity , a key requirement in tunnel operations.

Digital Twin Compatibility

Some Tier-1 suppliers are offering digital gangway models that plug into train digital twin systems. These models simulate wear, predict failure points, and help maintenance crews optimize parts inventory. It’s still early-stage — but pilot programs are underway in Japan and Germany.

This innovation is particularly useful in systems with predictive maintenance mandates or remote condition monitoring platforms.

Acoustic and Thermal Optimization

Passenger experience is emerging as a subtle but important differentiator. New gangway designs focus heavily on noise reduction, air-sealing, and vibration isolation — especially in long-haul and high-speed trains. Insulated gangways now help stabilize cabin temperature and block external noise from motor sections or pantographs.

In colder climates like Scandinavia and Canada, OEMs are investing in gangways with built-in heating membranes to prevent stiffening or cracking during winter operations.

Green Engineering and Recyclability

Sustainability is creeping into procurement frameworks. Some public transit agencies now include recyclability rates as a requirement in rolling stock tenders. As a result, manufacturers are shifting from PVC-based compounds to recyclable TPEs and FRP composites with better lifecycle emissions profiles.

One mid-sized gangway supplier noted that “in 2022, not a single RFP mentioned recyclability. In 2024, it’s in half of them.”

Emergence of Multi-Functional Gangways

Some advanced systems now incorporate integrated lighting, emergency audio systems, and even smart sensor modules to detect occupancy or track maintenance events. These multifunctional gangways aren’t mainstream yet — but are being piloted in high-end trainsets for Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Metro and Switzerland’s Stadler FLIRT units.

Strategic Partnerships Are Fueling Innovation

Many gangway suppliers are partnering with:

• Material science labs to develop UV- and heat-resistant rubber bellows

• Rolling stock OEMs like Bombardier and Alstom to co-design next-gen connector systems

• Universities and fire labs for EN 45545 certification testing

These collaborations reduce R&D burden and accelerate approval cycles — a critical factor when delivery timelines are shrinking.

 

4. Competitive Intelligence and Benchmarking

The rail gangway market is relatively consolidated, with a few global leaders dominating high-performance and safety-certified systems, while smaller regional firms fill cost-sensitive or retrofit niches. What separates the leaders isn’t just technical capability — it’s integration, reliability, and trust in long-term service contracts.

Hubner Group

Hubner is the undisputed market leader in rail gangway systems. Based in Germany, the company offers complete gangway packages, including bellows, bridge plates, and supporting frames. They lead in fire-safe, vibration-resistant gangways for metros, high-speed trains, and light rail vehicles.

Their strength? Full vertical integration. They design, test, and produce all critical parts in-house. Hubner’s systems are found in fleets operated by Deutsche Bahn , Alstom , Hitachi Rail , and Bombardier . Their presence in Asia — through localized partnerships in China and India — gives them a strong foothold in emerging markets too.

They also offer predictive maintenance support through digital twin modeling — a key selling point for premium operators.

ATG Autotechnik GmbH

ATG is a strong mid-tier competitor, often selected for commuter and regional train gangways. Known for reliable engineering and custom-fit designs, ATG’s gangways are used in several Central and Eastern European rolling stock fleets.

While they don’t have the firepower of Hubner , they’re agile. Their focus on modular refurb kits and cost-efficient lifecycle solutions makes them a go-to for retrofits, especially in the German and Polish rail networks.

Bellow & Bus (Spain)

Specializing in fabric and composite bellows, Bellow & Bus supplies lightweight gangway enclosures for light rail and tram networks across Southern Europe and Latin America. They’ve recently invested in flame-retardant fabrics to align with EU fire norms.

Their differentiator lies in rapid customization — offering a gangway product line adaptable to tight curve radii and space-limited installations. They’re gaining traction in cities rolling out modern tram fleets, like Barcelona, Bogota, and Lisbon.

Dellner Couplers (Sweden)

Though best known for automatic couplers, Dellner offers integrated gangway and coupling packages, particularly for long-distance and high-speed trains. Their gangways feature noise-dampening panels and structural crash energy absorption zones , used in Nordic and Alpine trainsets where safety in extreme weather is essential.

Their systems are often bundled with OEM rolling stock deals, giving them indirect access to global markets through OEM-aligned contracts .

Narita MFG Co. (Japan)

Narita plays a key role in supplying compact gangways for Japanese metro and regional systems. Their gangways are optimized for narrow body widths and high-frequency service. In recent years, they’ve expanded to Taiwan and Southeast Asia via contracts with local manufacturers.

Narita is known for its rigid testing protocols , essential for Japan’s precision-centered public transit operations. They’re not global giants, but their quality and reliability are respected across Asia.

 

5. Regional Landscape and Adoption Outlook

The rail gangway market behaves very differently depending on geography. In some regions, it's part of a broader push to modernize transit infrastructure. In others, it's a maintenance and compliance-driven upgrade cycle. Let’s break it down.

Asia Pacific

This is the largest and fastest-growing region for rail gangways. China, India, and Southeast Asia are driving the volume.

• China continues to dominate with mass production of metro and high-speed rolling stock. Nearly all new urban trains feature gangways, with many made by domestic partners of global suppliers like Hubner .

• India is catching up. Projects in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and tier-2 cities are standardizing open-gangway metros for higher capacity. The Make-in-India policy has led to localized gangway manufacturing partnerships.

• Japan and South Korea are mature markets. Replacement demand is strong, but extremely high in quality and compliance requirements. Fire safety, acoustic insulation, and thermal resistance top the spec sheets.

One transit director in Bangkok noted, “Gangways are now part of our basic safety review — they’re not optional anymore, especially in tunnel sections.”

Europe

Europe leads in technical complexity and safety regulation .

• Markets like Germany , France , and Italy are driving demand for gangways that meet EN 45545 fire standards and support high passenger throughput.

• There’s a robust retrofit cycle across suburban and intercity fleets, often tied to lifecycle extension programs.

• Eastern Europe — including Poland , Hungary , and Czech Republic — is showing catch-up growth, with operators upgrading older fleets to meet EU compliance.

High-speed rail networks like TGV , ICE , and Eurostar require aerodynamic, insulated gangways — often fully integrated into car architecture. Maintenance cost control is a key concern, pushing vendors to develop long-warranty, low-wear systems .

North America

The U.S. and Canada are late but rising players in the gangway market.

• Projects in New York (MTA) , Chicago , Toronto , and Los Angeles are introducing open-gangway configurations to improve passenger flow.

• Buy America mandates influence sourcing. Several U.S.-based gangway assembly lines have opened through foreign joint ventures.

• In commuter rail, many operators are still upgrading older gangways to meet NFPA 130 standards for fire and smoke control.

What’s unique here is the emphasis on spare parts availability and domestic support — making Tier-1 players partner with local service providers.

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

This is a frontier region — high in ambition, mixed in execution.

• Countries like Saudi Arabia , UAE , and Qatar are installing metro systems that rely heavily on premium, fire-tested gangways . These often come bundled in rolling stock contracts from Siemens, Alstom, or CAF.

• In Africa , metro systems are nascent. Gangway demand is tied to public-private rail investments in countries like Nigeria , South Africa , and Egypt . Most installations use standard modular gangways , focusing on cost, not complexity.

Latin America

Urbanization is fueling metro growth in cities like Santiago , Sao Paulo , and Bogota .

• Procurement is highly price-sensitive , with many operators preferring durable but lightweight bellows-based gangways .

• Fire safety norms are catching up, but not yet as strict as in the EU or U.S.

• The region presents opportunity for mid-tier manufacturers who can offer modular designs at competitive costs.

 

6. End-User Dynamics and Use Case

Rail gangway systems serve a wide array of operators — but each has different expectations when it comes to reliability, performance, and lifecycle support. The design and procurement approach varies dramatically depending on whether the buyer is a national railway, a metro authority, or a rolling stock lessor.

Urban Metro Operators

These are the largest consumers of rail gangways — and among the most demanding. Metro authorities in cities like Delhi , London , Shanghai , and São Paulo require:

• Open-gangway designs to increase standing capacity

• Fire-tested and waterproof systems to meet tunnel safety requirements

• Systems that are quick to replace during overnight maintenance windows

Gangways here must withstand extreme crowding, sharp turns, and short dwell times. Operators prioritize durability and sealing integrity — not just aesthetics.

In many cases, gangways are bundled into turnkey metro procurement from OEMs like Alstom or CRRC, who then subcontract to Tier-1 gangway suppliers. These buyers care about MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) and availability of local servicing teams .

Intercity and Regional Rail Operators

Intercity operators like Amtrak (U.S.) , SNCF (France) , and Indian Railways use gangways primarily to connect cars over long distances — often in trains that travel at high speeds or overnight.

Their key priorities include:

• Aerodynamic designs to minimize drag

• Noise and thermal insulation

• Seamless integration with HVAC and lighting

Here, gangways become part of the passenger experience — especially in premium coaches. Operators seek reduced vibration , smoother transitions, and easy compliance with comfort standards.

Rolling Stock Manufacturers and Lessors

OEMs like Siemens , Bombardier , and Stadler increasingly treat gangways as part of a modular rolling stock architecture. When responding to tenders, they must offer gangways that are:

• Pre-certified to regional safety standards

• Customizable in width, curvature, and material

• Designed to minimize integration risk during carbody assembly

Rolling stock leasing companies — like Alpha Trains (Europe) or Mitsui Rail Capital (Brazil) — often retrofit gangways on older fleets to meet new regulations or extend usable life. These buyers focus on total cost of ownership , and require multi-decade service life guarantees .

Rail Maintenance Depots and Service Providers

These are not buyers of trainsets — but they do influence gangway replacement decisions. Maintenance depots want:

• Gangways that can be installed without carbody lifting

• Predictive maintenance tools to flag wear early

• Clear part traceability and easy inventory logistics

Some depots now prefer semi-assembled gangway modules that can be swapped out quickly. This has created a niche demand for gangway refurb kits , offered by companies like ATG Autotechnik .

Use Case Highlight: Retrofitting for Fire Safety in Europe

A major commuter rail operator in Southern France was facing EN 45545 non-compliance across its aging regional train fleet. The existing gangways — over 15 years old — were made of PVC-based bellows with poor fire and smoke ratings.

Rather than replacing the entire trainsets, the operator issued a targeted RFP to retrofit only the gangways. A mid-tier supplier provided composite-reinforced, halogen-free gangway systems with modular connectors and low-toxicity adhesives.

The refits were completed without taking full trains out of service , using rolling depot shifts. Not only did this avoid service disruption, but it also extended fleet life by 7–10 years. The project became a blueprint for cost-effective compliance retrofits across the EU.

 

7. Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• Hubner Group introduced its next-generation ModuFlex gangway system in early 2024, designed with integrated vibration-damping and noise insulation layers. The system is already being installed in new high-speed trainsets for the European market.

• In 2023, Dellner Couplers launched a combined gangway-coupler platform aimed at light rail and regional trains , enabling easier installation and reducing total train weight by nearly 8%.

• Bellow & Bus announced a partnership with a major Spanish tram manufacturer to co-develop flexible gangways for tight-radius turning systems , specifically tailored for compact European cityscapes.

• ATG Autotechnik GmbH unveiled a new fire-compliant gangway refurbishment kit targeted at Eastern European rail operators seeking EN 45545 certification upgrades. The product includes a pre-fabricated bellow, integrated lighting conduits, and simplified mounting flanges.

• The Riyadh Metro project finalized deployment of modular gangways across six lines, supplied through a joint venture between Chinese and European OEMs. The gangways meet NFPA 130 fire standards and are equipped with passenger guidance lighting.

 

Opportunities

1. Rapid Transit Expansion in Emerging Markets Cities in India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa are rolling out metro lines faster than ever — and every new trainset needs safe, efficient gangways. OEMs that can localize production and offer cost-effective, pre-certified modules will win big.

2. Retrofits for Safety and Comfort Operators in Europe and North America are under pressure to bring older trainsets into compliance with newer fire and acoustic standards. This opens a major opportunity for modular retrofit kits that avoid full train overhauls.

3. Smart Gangway Integration Digital integration is becoming an RFP differentiator. Gangways that can integrate sensors, emergency systems, or digital maintenance tracking will gain favor among operators focused on uptime and fleet digitization.

 

Restraints

1. High Certification and Testing Costs Fire safety testing, especially to EN 45545 or NFPA 130 levels, is time-consuming and expensive. For smaller players, this can delay product rollout or erode margins. OEMs often require pre-certified components, raising entry barriers.

2. Procurement Cycles and Pricing Pressure Most rail projects involve public tenders with long lead times, rigorous audits, and fierce cost competition. Even for market leaders, profit margins can be tight, especially when value-added services like field installation and warranty support are bundled into contracts.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 545.2 Million
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 790.4 Million
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 6.4% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2023
Historical Data	2017 – 2021
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Gangway Type, By Train Type, By Region
By Gangway Type	External Gangways, Internal Gangways
By Train Type	Metro & Urban Transit, High-Speed Rail, Commuter & Regional, Light Rail
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Germany, China, India, France, Brazil, UAE, etc.
Market Drivers	- Urban metro expansion and high-speed rail adoption - Retrofit demand for regulatory compliance - Advances in modular, fire-safe materials
Customization Option	Available upon request