Brussels, 14/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - Adoption of the recast version of the first rail package, initially scheduled for 20 July, has been put back as a result of the persistent opposition from certain rail operators, such as Deutsche Bahn of Germany, which have not hesitated to go knocking on the door of the European Commission president. The text, following inter-service consultation, might still be adopted in the first fortnight of September, rather than being blocked as the European Parliament and most in the sector fear. Meant to clarify certain provisions in the first rail package which laid the foundations for opening up the rail market in Europe (see EUROPE 9990 and 7612), the draft text seeks to clarify and facilitate access to infrastructure and related services (stations, terminals, etc) for new entrants by strengthening the power of regulators independent of the state and rail companies. It seeks also to impose measures to reduce noise from trains and provide for the internalisation of the external costs from the sector. Its adoption, much hoped for by Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas, would shore up the recent launch of infringement proceedings for failure to incorporate the first package directives into national law (see EUROPE 10168). (A.By./transl.rt)