Siemens, EFE Trenes de Chile Partner on ETCS L2 & Signaling X for Chile Rail

EFE Trenes de Chile partners with Siemens Mobility for Chile’s first **ETCS Level 2** deployment. This advanced **railway** signaling project boosts safety and efficiency.

December 3, 2025 11:42 am

Chile’s national railway operator, EFE Trenes de Chile, has partnered with Siemens Mobility to deploy advanced European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 for the first time in the country. This groundbreaking implementation will utilize Siemens’ innovative DS3 platform and Signaling X technology, marking a significant leap forward in rail signaling for Latin America and enhancing operational efficiency across key Chilean rail corridors.

Key Entity	Critical Detail
Main Company	EFE Trenes de Chile
Technology Partner	Siemens Mobility
Core Action	Installation of ETCS L2 and Signaling X technology
Project Scope	87 km across Alameda–Melipilla (61 km) and Santiago–Batuco (26 km) projects
Timeline	5-year implementation, followed by 10 years of maintenance
Regional First	First ETCS L2 in Chile; First Signaling X in Latin America

This strategic contract, inked between EFE Trenes de Chile and Siemens Mobility, signifies a major advancement in the country’s railway infrastructure. The deployment of ETCS L2 on the DS3 platform, designed for Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL4) applications, represents the introduction of cutting-edge technology aimed at optimizing train operations and safety. The inclusion of Signaling X technology, a next-generation, cloud-ready platform, further solidifies Chile’s commitment to modernizing its rail network.

Strategic Impact

The implementation of Signaling X on standard commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware offers a globally scalable solution for railway operators, simplifying infrastructure and reducing complexity. This approach promises to elevate operational efficiency, streamline maintenance processes, and ensure long-term adaptability for future technological integrations. For EFE Trenes de Chile, this project is a critical step towards achieving more sustainable and high-performance rail operations, aligning with global trends in railway digitalization.

Operational Details

The project encompasses the installation of these advanced signaling systems over an 87-kilometer stretch, specifically on the Alameda–Melipilla (61 km) and Santiago–Batuco (26 km) train projects, which are currently under construction. Siemens Mobility is set to manage the entire lifecycle of the project, from design and supply to installation and commissioning, including the ETCS L2 integration. This comprehensive, five-year implementation phase will be followed by a decade of full maintenance, ensuring the sustained performance and reliability of the new systems.

Last June 2025, we published an article about Renfe’s cutting-edge Aranjuez maintenance hub. Click here to read – Future of Rail: Renfe’s Railway Technology Hub, Aranjuez: Essential Guide

“For the first time, we are bringing our advanced Signaling X technology to Latin America, setting new standards for the efficiency and operation of rail networks. Siemens Mobility’s expertise and innovative solutions pave the way for future digitization processes, enabling sustainable and high-performance rail operations,” stated Marc Ludwig, CEO Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility.

Industry Context

This initiative by EFE Trenes de Chile positions Siemens Mobility for continued growth in the region, marking their second significant ETCS L2 project in Latin America. Following their recent success in securing Latin America’s largest contract for this technology in São Paulo, Brazil, this Chilean project underscores the growing demand for advanced signaling solutions across the continent. Railway operators worldwide are increasingly prioritizing technologies that enhance safety, improve capacity, and reduce operational costs, making ETCS L2 and integrated signaling platforms like Signaling X increasingly vital for competitive and sustainable rail transport.