ETCS Deployment in Germany: Challenges and Delays Until 2035

ETCS Deployment in Germany may face delays until 2035 due to financial challenges and shifting priorities. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Challenges in ETCS Deployment in Germany

Germany faces significant financial challenges in implementing its railway digitalization program. The Berlin-based newspaper Tagesspiegel reported that priorities in funding may shift due to rising costs.

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Internal documents from the Ministry of Transport and Deutsche Bahn indicate funds will focus on upgrading key railway corridors. The initial plans aimed to deploy the European Train Control System (ETCS).

Experts highlight that estimated costs for the project have significantly increased in recent years. In 2018, consulting firm McKinsey estimated the project would cost €31.7 billion.

However, a recent McKinsey report prepared for the Ministry of Transport shows a cost more than doubling. The projected expenses for fully deploying ETCS now stand at €69 billion.

New Timelines for ETCS Deployment in Germany

The digitalization strategy included installing ETCS Level 2 to increase line capacity and reduce staff costs. It also planned to cut operational expenses by integrating advanced digital signaling systems.

However, transitioning to ETCS L2oS without signals requires costly upgrades to onboard equipment for rolling stock. Transport operators are lobbying for financial support programs, but no decisions have been made.

Deutsche Bahn states that the market is not ready for mass ETCS L2oS deployment. The program’s start may shift from 2028 to 2035 as a result.

If these changes are approved, the national PZB system will remain in use. This approach avoids immediate and expensive retrofitting of trains with new ETCS devices.

Currently, ETCS L2oS deployment will be limited to several lines, including existing high-speed routes. Notable examples are the Erfurt—Halle/Leipzig, Ebensfeld—Erfurt, and Wendlingen—Ulm lines.

A decision on the further pace of ETCS deployment will be made in December 2024. Deutsche Bahn’s supervisory board will discuss future infrastructure development and set new priorities.

Meanwhile, the use of ETCS alongside the national PZB system will continue. This approach helps lower the immediate costs of equipping rolling stock with advanced devices.

Plans for railway infrastructure digitalization require substantial financial investments. German authorities emphasize the importance of balancing modernization efforts with the system’s operational stability.

For the coming years, large-scale infrastructure transformations will remain on hold. However, limited ETCS Level 2 deployment without signals will proceed on selected lines.

Germany aims for a gradual transition to digital technologies to maintain efficiency. Ensuring the railway system’s high performance remains the primary objective during this period.

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