OREANDA-NEWS. Infrabel, SNCB and SNCB-Holding officially inaugurated the new customer-focused modern facilities at the Olen stopping point and Geel station. The new infrastructure will offer train passengers more safety and comfort.


The works at Geel station started at the end of May 2012. Infrabel has extended the platforms by up to 330 metres in order to be able to accommodate the longest trains. The platforms have also been elevated by 55 cm and are now paved throughout. Additional commuter shelters and benches have also been installed. An underpass has also been built under the tracks in Geel. From now on passengers will be able to walk from one platform to the other quickly and safely and will no longer have to use the barrier level crossing.

Olen stopping point

In October 2012 work also began on the Olen stopping point, with both platforms being extended and paved. In the past long trains used to come to a halt with part of the train remaining on the station's level crossing. As a result, the level crossing had to stay closed for longer. People getting off the train in Olen were unable to sit in the end carriages, as access to the platform was impossible. Now the platform is long enough to accommodate the entire train.

The investments in both Olen (€850,000) and Geel (€1,500,000) have significantly improved the safety and comfort of local train passengers.

Additional bicycle parking
Inhuldiging Olen

For cyclists going to Geel station, SNCB/NMBS-Holding has made a considerable investmentin the quality and capacity of bicycle parking spaces. The number of free spaces available has tripled from 200 to 600 on both sides of the station building. Bicycles can now also be neatly parked under canopies in racks to keep them dry and reduce the risk of damage. In the past they were at the mercy of all kinds of weather conditions. The exterior of the station building has also been given a facelift.

Electrification between Herentals and Mol on schedule

The first poles for the overhead lines have already been put in place on the Olen and Geel platforms in order to electrify the railway line between Herentals and Mol (approx. 20 km). Work is still ongoing and remains on schedule. Infrabel will soon commence work on the construction of a traction substation in Mol to enable the electric power supply. The entire project should come to a close by mid-2015. Through this investment, Infrabel is further contributing to better mobility in the region.