Published on October 21, 2025
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has taken a awesome measurement guardant successful modernising its obstruction infrastructure by awarding model contracts weighted astatine CHF 1.4 billion (around $1.8 cardinal USD) to Hitachi, Siemens, and Stadler Rail. These contracts, which attraction connected nan proviso and ongoing attraction of digital interlocking systems, are group to past 10 years, pinch nan anticipation of extending them for an further 15 years successful total. This woody marks a captious milestone successful SBB’s efforts to upgrade its signalling systems and boost nan ratio of nan Swiss obstruction network.
Revamping Switzerland’s Rail Signalling Systems
SBB’s existent obstruction web relies connected astir 500 interlocking systems, galore of which are based connected 1950s technology. These outdated systems usage relays and are progressively difficult and costly to maintain. Moreover, nan technology’s limitations person hindered further description , peculiarly successful position of installing caller switches and improving nan wide functionality of nan network. The request for a broad upgrade is urgent, particularly arsenic Switzerland’s obstruction infrastructure becomes much analyzable and nan request for efficient, reliable services increases.
To reside these challenges, SBB is embracing digital interlocking systems, which will switch nan aged exertion pinch modern, much businesslike solutions. The integer systems will standardise components, making them modular and easier to maintain. They are besides much adaptable, allowing for early upgrades and integration pinch cab signalling technology, which will importantly heighten obstruction web capacity and safety.
Contract Details and Award Process
The model contracts were issued successful two lots successful autumn 2022. Lot 1 covers nan complete systems, including some nan hardware and software required for integer interlockings, while Lot 2 focuses connected object controllers. These are physics components utilized to run switches, signals, and show way sections. In nan competitory tender process, Hitachi and Siemens secured nan statement for Lot 1, while Stadler Rail was awarded Lot 2.
This statement building allows SBB to grant individual interlocking strategy contracts passim nan phased modernisation process. While Hitachi, Siemens, and Stadler are now officially portion of nan framework, they will still request to compete for circumstantial contracts nether early tenders. SBB will prime nan astir advantageous connection based connected nan needs of each circumstantial project, ensuring elasticity and competitiveness passim nan upgrade.
The Importance of Digital Interlocking for Swiss Rail
Digital interlocking systems are basal for improving nan capacity and information of obstruction networks. By transitioning from older, relay-based systems to modern integer solutions, SBB tin amended nan guidance of obstruction traffic, allowing for much predominant and businesslike train services. Cab signalling, which will beryllium implemented successful conjunction pinch these integer systems, will alteration trains to tally astatine shorter intervals, further expanding nan network’s capacity.
Additionally, nan modular quality of nan caller integer interlocking systems intends that individual components tin beryllium easy replaced and upgraded arsenic needed, which will trim semipermanent operational costs and make nan systems much sustainable. The expertise to modernise and accommodate to early needs is simply a important advantage of nan caller technology.
Timeline and Future Outlook
The first integer interlocking strategy is expected to beryllium commissioned successful 2029, marking nan opening of a 40-year modernisation programme. Over nan adjacent 20 years, SBB plans to switch 80% of its existing interlocking systems. The action of systems for replacement will beryllium based connected various factors, specified arsenic nan extremity of their operational life, nan benefits of nan upgrades, and nan rollout of cab signalling technology.
The digitalisation of Switzerland’s obstruction signalling will not only heighten nan ratio and information of nan web but besides thief meet nan early demands of some freight and passenger obstruction services. SBB’s move towards modernisation reflects a broader inclination successful nan obstruction industry, arsenic operators astir nan world clasp integer solutions to amended performance, trim costs, and support nan modulation to much sustainable carrier systems.