European Train Control System (ETCS)

North Coast Line upgrade brings the modern signalling system to enhance the safety and efficiency and interoperability by digital means across the regional rail network within the state.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and Siemens Mobility have completed the historically significant ETCS upgrade on all 25 Class 717 trains, revamping London’s Northern City Line with fully digital in-cab communication and signalling.

Škoda Group has expanded its rail technology leadership with the launch of its certified ETCS solution, setting a new benchmark for safety, efficiency, and digital innovation in European rail transport.

The European Union Agency for Railways has officially approved the onboard ETCS on Traxx Universal locomotives. With the approval, Czech freight hauliers will be able to further enhance cross-border operations, improving safety, efficiency, and interoperability on the main European rail corridors.

ETCS is actively being deployed on Italy’s railways, with the system extended by another 1,400 kilometers as part of a nationwide infrastructure digitalization effort.

Swiss railway BLS has signed a €110M framework deal with Siemens Mobility to equip its regional network with ETCS Level 2 train control systems, starting with the Bern–Schwarzenburg line by 2029.

Siemens has signed a $118 million contract with infrastructure operator BLS Netz to implement ETCS Level 2 and digital signaling systems across the Swiss regional railway network.

Alstom will introduce Latin America’s first ETCS Level 2 system in São Paulo’s metro network to modernize Lines 8 and 9 and improve train operations.

The reconstruction of the Berlin–Hamburg line will proceed without ETCS implementation, as Deutsche Bahn revised its technical approach to the upgrade.

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.

TransPennine Express is introducing digital signalling technology on its Class 185 fleet to enhance safety, improve reliability, and modernize operations as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade initiative.

Hitachi Rail successfully completed the first stage of the Gyorok–Birzava line modernization in Romania, significantly increasing train speeds with advanced technologies.