Siemens Mobility, OBB digitise Austria’s rail network
Andre Rodenbeck of Siemens
Siemens Mobility and ÖBB are digitising Austrian rail network to further enhance attractiveness of public transport. ÖBB is aiming to double the capacity of Austria’s entire rail system by 2040 to cope with increasing passenger numbers. This goal is now a bit closer. The digital European Train Control System ETCS has now been implemented and commissioned on 57-kilometre route between Linz and Vocklabruck. This controls distances between trains, as well as their direction and speed in real time thereby enabling route to carry more passengers and freight, and ensuring that trains run more punctually, and safely.
At a press conference held in Linz, Siemens Mobility and ÖBB Infrastructure AG presented a framework agreement for a long-term cooperation and announced commissioning of an initial route section. The agreement regulates broadening of ETCS Level 2 system throughout Austria’s high-level rail network, the establishment of so-called ETCS Radio Block Centres or RBCs, which will be redundant, and maintenance and servicing of these facilities. During project’s rollout, plans call for installing a total of 21 RBCs by 2038 to provide fail-safe coverage for Austria’s high-level rail network.
ETCS Level 2 operation began at start of August on Linz–Wels–Vocklabruck and Wels–Haiding line sections, marking initial commissioning based on new framework agreement. The ETCS Radio Block Centre covering this section is located in Vienna, and trains operating on route are digitally monitored and controlled in Linz. “Efficient railway infrastructure is critically important for achieving Austria’s climate goals. To help us handle the expected increase in rail traffic and shift away from roads, we are relying extensively on digital initiatives, and ETCS Level 2 is an enormously important component for railways of the future. The framework agreement signed with Siemens Mobility is based on a Europe-wide tender and we’re looking forward now to working with the best bidder to equip further rail routes with Level 2.” says Johann Pluy, CEO of ÖBB Infrastructure AG.
“We are proud to be working with ÖBB to equip the Austrian rail network with ETCS Level 2, and the commissioning of this route marks an important milestone in OBB’s continuing expansion of ETCS coverage. The use of ETCS Radio Block Centres and our innovative software-based DS3 safety platform will significantly increase route capacity and make the Austrian railway system one of the most modern in the world.” says Andre Rodenbeck, CEO Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility.
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