Alstom & DB: ETCS Level 2 Advancements on Pforzheim-Stuttgart Rail

Introduction

In November 2023, Alstom announced the successful implementation of its ETCS (European Train Control System) Level 2 solution on the 107-kilometer railway line between Pforzheim and Stuttgart, Germany. The project, commissioned by Deutsche Bahn (DB), marks a significant advancement in railway signaling technology in the region.

Project Overview

The project, which began in 2018, involved the complete modernization of the signaling system on the line. Alstom’s ETCS Level 2 solution replaces the existing Punktförmige Zugbeeinflussung (PZB) train protection system. The system upgrade included the installation of 32 new electronic interlockings and the retrofitting of 100 vehicles with the on-board ETCS equipment. The project’s budget was €150 million.

Technical Details and Implementation

The ETCS Level 2 system utilizes radio-based communication between the trackside and the train, enabling continuous data transmission. The system’s architecture includes trackside elements such as the European Vital Computer (EVC), radio block centers, and balises. The on-board equipment consists of the European Vital Computer and the Driver Machine Interface (DMI). The system ensures that trains can operate safely and efficiently at speeds up to 200 kilometers per hour. The installation required significant civil works, including the construction of approximately 70 kilometers of cable ducts and the laying of 1,100 kilometers of cables.

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Benefits and Future Prospects

The implementation of ETCS Level 2 on the Pforzheim-Stuttgart line is expected to enhance safety, increase line capacity, and improve operational efficiency. The project is part of a broader initiative by Deutsche Bahn to modernize its railway infrastructure. Alstom is also involved in similar projects across Europe, including the upgrade of the Brenner Base Tunnel.

Conclusion

Alstom’s successful deployment of ETCS Level 2 on the Pforzheim-Stuttgart line for Deutsche Bahn represents a significant milestone in railway signaling technology, enhancing safety and efficiency on the 107-kilometer route. The €150 million project, initiated in 2018, involved a comprehensive upgrade of the existing infrastructure.

Alstom

Alstom is a global leader in the railway industry, providing a wide range of products and services, including rolling stock, signaling systems, and infrastructure solutions.

Deutsche Bahn (DB)

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is the primary railway operator in Germany, responsible for both passenger and freight transportation. The company also manages railway infrastructure.

ETCS

The European Train Control System (ETCS) is a signaling and control system designed to enhance railway safety and interoperability across Europe. ETCS Level 2 uses radio-based communication for continuous data transmission between trackside equipment and trains.