Slashing Infrastructure Costs: Alstom Activates ARGOS Digital Interlocking on Key HSR Route

The ARGOS digital interlocking system has entered operation at Montbard station, near Dijon in France. Alstom carried out the deployment under an innovation partnership with SNCF Réseau. SNCF Réseau is the French railway infrastructure manager. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

According to Alstom, digitalization is essential for introducing an ERTMS-based speed control system. Also, the company is installing that system on the Paris–Lyon high-speed line. The aim is to increase capacity.

“Alstom is proud to support SNCF Réseau in this innovative partnership dedicated to modernizing the French rail network. The commissioning of the ARGOS system in Montbard illustrates our long-term commitment to a digitized, interconnected, and high-performance rail network serving local communities and passengers. Together, we are shaping the future of rail operations,” said Frédéric Wiscart, Alstom’s President for France, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

ARGOS digital interlocking system and new signaling

ARGOS is presented as the first implementation of a new generation of railway signaling systems. It marks a shift toward more digital, integrated, and industrially scalable signaling solutions. Those solutions are designed to improve performance on the French railway network.

SNCF Réseau launched ARGOS in 2018 as a partnership. The partnership was aimed at developing the third generation of electronic signaling systems. The platform provides real-time communication between field signaling equipment and the Centralized Network Control Centers. These centers are known as CNCR. In addition, its stated purpose is to improve operational reliability and maintenance performance. It also prepares the network for ERTMS deployment.

Onvia Lock solution and technical objectives

Within this framework, Alstom contributes its technology through the Onvia Lock solution. The solution is a core part of Alstom’s digital signaling portfolio. It connects directly with track-side assets through intelligent controllers. These assets include points and signals. By eliminating intermediate relays, it reduces on-site infrastructure. Also, it lowers cabling requirements and cuts installation and maintenance costs.

The technical and economic targets for next-generation signaling systems include:

• reduction in total cost of ownership;
• digital continuity of systems;
• shorter deployment and modification periods;
• high levels of reliability, availability and safety;
• improved maintainability;
• guarantees of operational readiness.

Onvia Lock is designed as a modular and scalable solution. This enables the network to adapt to future changes in traffic. It also incorporates advanced cybersecurity requirements from the design stage.

Alstom says it has used an integrated delivery model. That model covers the full value chain, from solution development to field deployment. In addition, the ARGOS innovation partnership has involved nearly 400 specialists across Alstom sites in France.

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