Banedanmark: Digital ERTMS Success in Denmark- Rail Innovation

Introduction

Banedanmark’s nationwide signalling programme in Denmark, which involves replacing over 50 legacy signalling systems across 2,600 kilometers of track, serves as a prominent example of how digital tools are being applied to European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) projects to enhance efficiency and manage complexity.

Challenges in ERTMS Implementation

The implementation of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) faces significant challenges due to the diverse legacy systems, technical specifications, and regulatory frameworks across different countries. This fragmentation leads to integration and compliance issues, particularly in cross-border corridors. A core challenge is integrating ERTMS with various legacy signalling and control systems, many of which were not designed for interoperability. These challenges are often accompanied by high capital expenditure and extended deployment timelines, especially in brownfield environments. Successful implementation requires coordinated planning and execution among infrastructure managers, operators, suppliers, and national authorities. Ensuring safety, maintaining compliance, and preserving operational continuity further complicate the process, demanding robust engineering, strategic programme governance, and digitally enabled delivery models.

Digital Advantages in ERTMS Projects

Traditional delivery models are increasingly inadequate for managing the complexity of ERTMS projects. Digitalization, through model-based design, connected data environments, and digital twins, provides a scalable approach to address these challenges. These technologies enable effective system integration, real-time validation, and lifecycle traceability, supporting consistent and efficient ERTMS deployment across diverse national contexts. Integrated 3D modelling allows for the model-based design of signalling and infrastructure assets, enabling early-stage clash detection and design validation, which significantly reduces rework during construction. Common data environments provide a centralized platform for data sharing, version control, and real-time collaboration across multidiscipline teams and suppliers, ensuring consistency and transparency throughout the project lifecycle. Construction simulation tools using 4D and 5D modelling enable precise planning of construction sequencing and cost control while minimizing disruption to live rail operations. Digital twins enhance system understanding by simulating signalling behavior and asset interactions, supporting predictive maintenance strategies and informed lifecycle management. Together, these technologies form the backbone of a digitally enabled delivery model that improves efficiency, reduces risk, and enhances the overall quality of ERTMS deployments.

Banedanmark’s Digital Delivery Model

Banedanmark’s nationwide signalling programme in Denmark provides a practical example of these digital enablers in action. Facing the challenge of replacing over 50 legacy signalling systems across 2,600 kilometers of track, Banedanmark adopted a fully digital delivery model to manage complexity and risk. By leveraging integrated 3D modeling and a connected data environment, the project team coordinated design, detected clashes early, and maintained a single source of truth across disciplines. Digital twins were used to simulate signalling logic and asset interactions, enabling early validation and reducing the need for on-site testing. Additionally, 4D construction simulation supported precise planning and minimized disruption to live operations. This approach improved delivery efficiency, stakeholder coordination, and set a new benchmark for executing large-scale ERTMS programmes using digital technology.

The Future of ERTMS

Technology partners play a critical role in enabling the successful digital delivery of ERTMS projects. With the European Union prioritizing rail modernization through funding instruments like the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), investment in digital strategies is highly encouraged. These funding opportunities can offset transformation costs while aligning with EU goals for sustainability and interoperability.

Conclusion

The successful implementation of ERTMS across Europe is challenged by diverse legacy systems and national requirements. Digitalization, including model-based design, connected data environments, and digital twins, offers a scalable approach to address these challenges. The use of digital tools by Banedanmark in its nationwide signalling programme demonstrates how efficiency can be improved and risk managed in large-scale ERTMS projects. With the EU’s continued prioritization of rail modernization, investment in digital strategies is encouraged.

Company Summary

Banedanmark: The company’s nationwide signalling programme in Denmark involves replacing over 50 legacy signalling systems across 2,600 kilometers of track.

Technology

ERTMS: The European Rail Traffic Management System is designed to standardize train control and signalling across Europe, enhancing safety, capacity, and interoperability.

CEF: The Connecting Europe Facility is a funding instrument prioritizing rail modernization.

RRF: The Recovery and Resilience Facility is a funding instrument prioritizing rail modernization.