DB Cargo will begin remote-control train tests on the Betuwe line in the Netherlands in October 2025, showcasing technological innovation and safety. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

DB Cargo and Partners Begin Testing

DB Cargo Launches Train Remote Control Trials
Photo: DB

The operator installed ATO and RTO systems on a Siemens Vectron 193 locomotive at the Cologne-Gremberg depot to test automated movement and control. The project received $20.6 million in federal funding.

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DB Cargo’s Implementation Prospects

The trials will last a year, including automatic acceleration, braking, and onboard driver supervision. Engineers will also test remote control from a dispatch center. Test trains will include partially filled tank cars.

ATO technology is already proven in passenger rail, but similar freight projects remain rare. DB Cargo expects these trials to accelerate digital adoption in freight transport, boosting safety and efficiency.

The Betuwe line offers an isolated network environment equipped with ETCS Level 2, ideal for autonomous system testing. If the trials confirm remote-control reliability, the project will mark a major step for European freight logistics.

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