DB Cargo UK Partners with Siemens to Equip Class 66 Locomotives with ETCS

The installation will take place at the Toton Traction Maintenance Depot in the East Midlands and is expected to be completed by March 2026. This marks the initial phase of a national program to retrofit all of DB Cargo’s Class 66 locomotives with ETCS. The initiative is a key component of the £1.4 billion ($1.76 billion) East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), which aims to replace traditional lineside signals with advanced digital in-cab technology.

Siemens Mobility, the chosen partner for the ECDP, will design, integrate, and install its Trainguard 200 Onboard unit onto the freight locomotives. This technology will enable the East Coast Main Line to operate without traditional signals, improving efficiency and safety. Jon Harman, Head of Asset Management and Maintenance at DB Cargo UK, highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “Having recently played a significant part in the ‘first-in-class’ fitment of ETCS on one of our own Class 66 locomotives, we are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with Siemens to install the new technology in further locomotives.”

Preparatory work has already begun at the Toton depot to support the project. New infrastructure, including a load bank, wash plant, and overhead cranes, is being installed to facilitate the upgrades. Additionally, new accommodation will be constructed on-site to house Siemens staff, ensuring close collaboration between the two companies.

This project represents a significant step forward in modernizing the UK’s rail freight network. By adopting ETCS, DB Cargo UK aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce delays, and improve safety. The initiative also underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and its role in supporting the UK’s broader digital rail ambitions.