With a network of tracks stretching across the country, ProRail maintains and develops new infrastructure to keep trains running safely and efficiently. Ronald de Goeij, Planning & Risk Management Department Manager at ProRail, provides insight into how the collaboration with Delta Pi helps manage risks and successfully complete projects.

Why is risk management important for ProRail?
Ronald: “Risk management is indispensable to us because we work for travelers and with taxpayers' money. We therefore want to
keep projects within budget and the set timeframe. We prefer not to take unnecessary risks that lead to cost overruns or delays. Moreover, we want to limit inconvenience for travelers and logistics parties and guarantee safety. Risk management helps us identify potential problems early and take control measures.”
What are the biggest challenges in risk management in the
railway sector?
Ronald: “The biggest challenge is the shortages of personnel and materials, the rising prices, and the tightening of laws and regulations. In addition, work must be coordinated well in advance with carriers such as NS to prevent delays and inconvenience for travelers. We also have to take ecological risks into account, such as protecting flora and fauna during our work. It is a complex interplay of planning and anticipating potential problems.”
How did the collaboration with an external party like Delta Pi come about?
Ronald: “Six years ago, we put out a tender because we couldn't recruit enough people ourselves. Delta Pi emerged as the best party at the time due to their quality, continuity, market experience, and competitive price. Since then, we have been working together on various projects.”
Can you give a concrete example of such a project?
Ronald: “Take the ERTMS program as an example. This is a large-scale project in which we are implementing a new, digital train safety system designed to improve the safety and efficiency of rail traffic. Delta Pi helped us not only with the risk analyses but also with developing a clear structure for the entire risk management approach. They collaborated on drafting risk frameworks and helped identify and manage potential risks early on. Thanks to their efforts, we were able to prevent the project from incurring additional delays.”
How would you describe Delta Pi as a partner?
Ronald: “Delta Pi not only delivers what is requested but actually always goes a step further. They think along with us, offer additional insights, and ensure that our risk management processes continuously improve. Their consultants are highly professional, skilled in their field, and above all, very approachable. This means they are not just seen as a supplier, but as true partners who think along and collaborate on our projects. The sense that we are working together towards a common goal is strongly present.”
Besides providing consultants, Delta Pi has partnered with ProRail to develop a training program for new ProRail risk analysts. Can you tell us more about that?
Ronald: “It is difficult to find enough people with the right skills and experience in risk management. That is why, together with Delta Pi, we have set up a training course focusing on the basic principles of risk management and how these can be applied within the specific context of ProRail. The collaboration with Delta Pi is valuable because their consultants not only share their knowledge but are also very accessible and approachable. This creates an open atmosphere in which a lot can be learned, both from theory and practical examples. In this way, new employees can quickly get up to speed and contribute effectively to our projects.”
Has your collaboration with Delta Pi changed your approach to risk management?
Ronald: “Certainly. Delta Pi helped us take a closer look at how we define and manage risks. Thanks to their input, we have revised and improved existing frameworks and working methods. For example, they taught us how to better anticipate risks and map them out in a structured way. That has significantly improved our way of working.”
What does the future hold for the collaboration between ProRail and
Delta Pi?
Ronald: “Formally speaking, the current contract has expired, but we are still working with four consultants from Delta Pi. That shows how valuable their contribution is. We will therefore continue to hire the consultants from Delta Pi through our regular channels. After all, we hope to benefit from their expertise and commitment in the future as well.”
What makes Delta Pi different from other partners?
Ronald: “What really sets Delta Pi apart is their approachability and informal way of working. They don't work based on a hierarchy, but are always ready to brainstorm and help. This makes the collaboration smooth and pleasant, and ensures that we can function really well as a team.”



