Rail transport is one of the main initiators of the European economy. Thanks to the railway infrastructure and the entire railway system, the European continent is not only connected in terms of local, regional and international passenger transport, but also allows the movement of goods and large loads on long distances, using powerful locomotives and tractors, thus achieving the survival of the European free market. This is a strategically very important element of European policy, the continuous development and progress of rail transport is ensured by new technologies and the introduction of various digital solutions. Although rail is crucial for the European market, most transport takes place by road. In economic terms, road transport is a very efficient form of transport, but in ecological terms it is very unsustainable due to its dependence on fossil fuels. As the modern world faces many environmental problems, such as air pollution, rising temperatures and rising sea levels caused by melting glaciers, there are more and more global initiatives to reduce such a harmful impact on humanity. In addition to the mentioned environmental problems, in the area of the European Union there are also problems of population growth in urban centers and more frequent migrations from other parts of the world to the old continent. All these trends cannot be ignored, so it is necessary to find alternative solutions that will reduce harmful emissions in the coming decades and ensure the survival of the modern world. Since railway infrastructure is a solid foundation for creating an environmentally friendly transport network, this paper explores the perspectives of rail transport in the context of contemporary opportunities.