Belgium’s HSL 1 to get Vossloh smart switches

Vossloh smart switches will be supplied for the modernization of Belgium’s HSL 1. The Infrabel contracts are worth about EUR 17 million. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The line entered service in 1997. Meanwhile, it is now undergoing an extensive modernization program. Several key components are set to be replaced in the coming years.

Vossloh smart switches and contract terms

According to Vossloh, the supply contract for the high-speed switches runs for eight years. At the same time, a separate agreement covers maintenance for 20 years. The contracts cover the replacement phase and the longer-term upkeep of the new components.

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The company said the switches are designed for high-speed rail requirements. They also include sensors. These continuously monitor the condition of both the drive system and the switch itself. In addition, the collected data is used to support maintenance decisions.

Predictive maintenance on the Brussels–Paris line

Infrabel CEO Benoît Gilson commented on the award to Vossloh. He said it represents “a key step in the modernization and long-term sustainability of the high-speed network in Belgium and Europe.”

“With this EUR 17 million investment, Infrabel is planning to replace critical infrastructure that is reaching the end of its service life. The new switches we will install incorporate state-of-the-art technologies, particularly in the area of predictive maintenance, which will improve the safety and reliability of operations on the Brussels–Paris line,” he said.

Gilson added that the partnership is part of a long-term vision. He said it also exemplifies European industrial cooperation in the railway sector.

Separately, Vossloh AG CEO Oliver Schuster also commented on the project. He said the selection confirms the company’s expertise in components for high-speed railway infrastructure.

“On routes such as the link between Brussels and France, the highest safety and quality standards apply to components. The fact that Infrabel chose Vossloh as the supplier for these high-tech switches is an important confirmation of our expertise,” he said.

Schuster also said Vossloh received both the supply contract and the long-term maintenance contract. This enables Vossloh to participate in the sustainable modernization of the European high-speed rail network.

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