Hitachi, CERB, Bulgaria: ERTMS & ETCS Level 1 Rail Upgrade

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Introduction

Bulgaria’s National Railway Infrastructure Company (NRIC) has awarded a contract to the consortium of Hitachi Rail (leader) and CERB for the installation of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) on the Voluyak–Dragoman railway line.

Project Scope

The contract encompasses the deployment of European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 trackside technology and Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway (GSM-R) communications along the 35 km double-track line between Dragoman and Voluyak, a suburb of Sofia.

Implementation Roles

Hitachi Rail will be responsible for the design, delivery, installation, and commissioning of the ETCS Level 1 trackside system. In this collaboration, Hitachi Rail will coordinate with CERB to manage local installation activities and oversee the turnkey implementation of the GSM-R system.

Project Timeline and Strategic Significance

The project is scheduled for completion within 34 months, aligning with NRIC’s broader infrastructure modernization plans. The upgrade of the Voluyak–Dragoman railway line, a crucial cross-border section west of Sofia, aims to enhance speed and interoperability on the route to Serbia. The project is part of the EU’s strategic Orient/East-Med Corridor, reinforcing Bulgaria’s position as a key transit country between Central and Southeastern Europe.

Technology Details

As part of the Voluyak–Dragoman project, Hitachi Rail is implementing its ETCS Level 1 trackside system to enhance train control by continuously monitoring speed and train movements. The system transmits real-time data to onboard units, enabling automatic braking and improved driver support for safer and more efficient operations. Integrated with electronic interlockings, it supports speeds of up to 160 km/h and delivers a fully interoperable signalling solution compliant with European standards.

Conclusion

Hitachi Rail, in consortium with Alokor, recently secured a contract to maintain the signalling systems on the Sofia–Plovdiv–Svilengrad rail corridor.

Company Summary

Hitachi Rail: Hitachi Rail is a company involved in railway systems and solutions.

CERB: CERB is a company.

NRIC: Bulgaria’s National Railway Infrastructure Company.

Alokor: A company that provides signaling maintenance services.

Technology

ERTMS: European Rail Traffic Management System.

ETCS Level 1: European Train Control System Level 1.

GSM-R: Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway.

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