Siemens-SBB Swiss Interlocking Digitalization: 20-Year Rail Upgrade

Introduction

Siemens Mobility and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) have agreed to a framework to digitalise approximately 500 Swiss interlockings over the next 20 years, with commissioning of the first interlockings scheduled for 2029.

Digitalisation Framework

Siemens Mobility and SBB have signed a strategic framework agreement focused on modernizing Switzerland’s interlocking systems. The project will involve the modernisation of approximately 500 interlockings over the next two decades, with about 80 percent of the existing systems slated for replacement. The initial term of the contract is ten years, featuring three options for five-year extensions. Additionally, the agreement includes 25 years of maintenance to ensure operational reliability. Orders for individual interlockings will be awarded throughout the project.

Scope of the Agreement

The framework agreement encompasses both hardware and software for complete digital interlockings, along with comprehensive services. These services include development, training, support, and maintenance. The first interlockings are scheduled to be commissioned in 2029.

Technology and Infrastructure

Signaling X will centralise interlocking logic in data centres. This centralization is intended to improve operational capacity and create a sustainable, highly efficient mobility infrastructure.

Project Execution and Network Impact

SBB operates the largest standard-gauge network in Switzerland, covering 3,266 kilometres and serving both passenger and freight transport. This long-term agreement is designed to boost network capacity, reliability, and sustainability, supporting the growing mobility demands and climate objectives of Switzerland. The company brings extensive local expertise covering the entire project lifecycle, including development, production, assembly, commissioning, support, obsolescence management, and spare parts logistics. The company has a large installed base at SBB and has developed an evolutionary migration path to transition existing infrastructure efficiently toward the target architecture. The company and its predecessor companies have demonstrated their ability to deliver long-term projects reliably over the past 100 years.

Conclusion

Siemens Mobility and SBB have agreed to a framework to modernise Swiss interlockings. The project covers approximately 500 interlockings over 20 years, with the initial commissioning planned for 2029.

Company Summary

Siemens Mobility: Siemens Mobility and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) have agreed to a framework to digitalise Swiss interlockings.

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB): SBB operates the largest standard-gauge network in Switzerland, spanning 3,266 kilometres and serving both passenger and freight transport.