The cost of retrofitting trains with ETCS has doubled

The cost of implementing ETCS on rolling stock in EU countries doubled between 2018 and 2022 — from €450,000 to €900,000 for installation and from €200,000 to €400,000 for equipment upgrades. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Several factors contributed to the rising expenses. Differing national technical requirements prevent the reuse of certified solutions. In addition, certification can take up to four years and demands significant resources.

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Low competition among suppliers, recent high inflation, and a shortage of skilled personnel also impact the market. These issues drive up equipment prices and delay implementation timelines.

EU measures to reduce the cost of ETCS deployment

The European Commission proposes a set of actions to stabilize the situation. A key priority is the transition to modular ETCS architecture, which would allow individual components to be updated without replacing entire systems.

It also suggests harmonizing and simplifying national requirements, which would reduce the volume of testing and speed up deployment. This is especially beneficial for smaller operators with limited budgets.

ETCS as the foundation for EU rail digitalization

Streamlining certification processes and eliminating redundant inspections could accelerate ETCS adoption and lower administrative burdens. This approach would strengthen integration of rail infrastructure across the EU.

Ultimately, the proposed measures aim not only to halt cost increases but also to support widespread digital innovation in rail transport. This will enhance the sector’s efficiency, safety, and competitiveness.

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