Rail Gangway Industry Analysis: Market Drivers and Growth Forecast

 

The global rail gangway market continues its steady expansion, driven by the modernization of rail infrastructure, expansion of high-speed rail networks, and increasing focus on passenger safety and accessibility. According to the latest market data, global sales of rail gangways were valued at USD 494.3 million in 2020, and are projected to reach USD 560.4 million by 2025. Over the 2025-2035 assessment period, the market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.8%, ultimately attaining a valuation of USD 720.1 million by 2035.

Railway gangways, the flexible connectors between adjacent railcars, play an essential role in ensuring smooth and safe movement for passengers and crew between compartments-especially in long or high-speed trains. Their design innovations and material advancements have become central to modern rail operations, balancing safety, comfort, and durability.

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Key Market Insights and Semi-Annual Outlook (2025-2035)

The semi-annual growth analysis reveals that the CAGR for H1 2025 is estimated at 4.8%, increasing slightly to 5.0% in H2 2025, indicating strong second-half performance driven by infrastructure upgrades and the adoption of advanced materials.

H1 2025: The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8%, reflecting steady expansion during the first half of the year.

H2 2025: The CAGR is expected to increase to 5.0%, showing a stronger performance in the second half, primarily driven by infrastructure upgrades and the adoption of advanced materials.

This positive trajectory is underpinned by growing investments in rail infrastructure modernization, expansion of metro and high-speed train networks, and heightened safety mandates across major economies.

Market Drivers

1. Seamless Passenger Mobility and Accessibility

The growing demand for safe and seamless train-to-platform transitions is a major driver. Modern gangways are being designed to reduce platform gaps and accommodate passengers with reduced mobility.
Manufacturers are introducing adjustable height and angle gangways equipped with built-in sensors that detect irregularities in platform levels, ensuring both comfort and compliance with international accessibility regulations.

2. Expansion of High-Speed Rail Networks

Global expansion of high-speed trains, capable of reaching up to 250 mph, has spurred demand for adaptable and aerodynamic gangways.
Examples include Japan's N700 Series and France's TGV, which utilize flexible gangways for enhanced passenger comfort. Such systems automatically adjust height and alignment, ensuring safety and convenience during high-speed operations.

3. Modernization of Aging Rail Infrastructure

Aging railway systems, especially in Europe and Asia, are undergoing large-scale modernization projects. These include upgrading legacy gangways to meet new safety and accessibility standards.
Modern gangways offer automated height adjustment, non-slip surfaces, and fire-resistant materials, enhancing overall passenger safety and inclusivity.

4. Growth in Cross-Border Rail Connectivity

Projects like the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) emphasize interoperability and standardization across rail systems.
This growing interconnectivity requires universally compatible gangway systems adaptable to different train types and platform configurations, thereby facilitating efficient cross-border movement of passengers and goods.

Regional Insights
Canada - Strong Growth Amid Northern Infrastructure Expansion

The Canadian rail gangway market is projected to grow at a 5.2% CAGR through 2035, driven by new network developments in northern regions. Gangways capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and weather conditions are in high demand, ensuring reliable year-round operations.

France - Rising Demand for Eco-Friendly Materials

In France, the market is expanding as operators adopt eco-friendly and low-carbon gangway materials. Aluminum and composite-based gangways are gaining traction under the EU's Green Mobility Directive, aligning with sustainability goals.

India - Fastest-Growing Market with 9.6% CAGR

India remains a standout growth region, projected to register a 9.6% CAGR. The government's emphasis on interstate connectivity, high-speed rail, and smart city development is fueling investments in technology-integrated gangway systems designed for interoperability and accessibility.

Japan and China - High-Speed Rail Innovation Hubs

Japan's market continues to thrive with a 6.3% CAGR, led by innovation in lightweight, high-durability gangways. China, with a 4.2% CAGR, remains the largest manufacturing hub, benefiting from large-scale railway expansion projects.

Segmental Analysis
Product Type: Two-Piece Gangways Lead with 78.3% Market Share (2025)

Two-piece gangways dominate the market with a 78.3% share due to their flexibility and integration features. These gangways allow automatic alignment with platforms, ensuring smooth, safe passenger transitions-especially in metro and high-speed rail networks.

Material Type: Aluminum Holds 54.3% Share (2025)

Aluminum continues to lead the material segment, capturing 54.3% of the market in 2025. Its lightweight, corrosion-resistant properties make it ideal for rail systems, reducing installation costs and extending product lifespan.
By lowering stress on rail structures and minimizing maintenance, aluminum gangways enhance both operational efficiency and long-term durability.

Market Concentration and Leading Players

Tier-1 manufacturers account for 50-60% of total market revenue, exceeding USD 50 million in annual sales. Key players include:

HÜBNER GmbH & Co. KG

Dellner Couplers

Narita Mfg. Co.

KTK Group

Jai Dadi Group

Zhejiang Yonggui Electric Equipment Co., Ltd.

Tier-2 companies and regional suppliers, such as Hutchinson, Bhoruka Fabcons, and ATG Autotechnik GmbH, collectively represent the remaining 40-50% share, serving specialized and regional rail projects.

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Technological Advancements and Industry Developments

Recent innovations are transforming gangway performance and safety standards:

Lightweight Composites and Alloys: Enhance strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance.

Telescopic and Modular Designs: Allow flexible installation across different train types.

Fire-Retardant Coatings: Improve passenger safety during emergencies.

Automated Coupling Systems: Reduce operational downtime and enhance train configuration flexibility.

Recent Milestones:

October 2024: HÜBNER Group unveiled the world's first AutoCouple System, enabling automated gangway coupling to enhance train efficiency and safety.

September 2024: The AutoCouple system launched for Toronto Subway operations, cutting coupling time from 30 minutes to 5 minutes, significantly boosting fleet productivity.

Future Outlook

Looking forward, the rail gangway market is expected to maintain its growth momentum through 2035, underpinned by technological advancements, environmental considerations, and global rail infrastructure expansion.
Manufacturers are expected to focus on smart, sensor-based gangways, lightweight modular systems, and AI-integrated maintenance diagnostics to meet evolving safety and performance standards.

The market's transformation highlights the industry's commitment to sustainability, passenger safety, and innovation-ensuring that the next generation of rail systems is safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible.