Contract signed for ERTMS digital signaling for the Italian railway network

Italian Railways (RFI) has selected a consortium led by Hitachi Rail to develop and supply ERTMS digital signaling on a 1,885 km railway network in central and northern Italy. It is reported by Railway Supply magazine with reference to Railly News.

The technology includes a radio system that provides communication between the train and the tracks, as well as automatic emergency braking in case of danger. This technology also improves train efficiency by adjusting speed, acceleration and braking, which in turn reduces energy consumption.

This new €867 million framework agreement follows a previous €700 million contract for the development and implementation of ERTMS digital signaling on 516 km of railway lines across Italy.

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ERTMS is already in use on Italy’s high-speed rail lines, but the introduction of this technology on regional lines will allow trains from neighboring European countries to run seamlessly through Italy.

ERTMS technology will greatly benefit passengers by increasing the reliability, punctuality and frequency of trains, thus creating an integrated European rail network.

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