Siemens Mobility will upgrade the first section of Finland’s rail network under the Finnish government’s “Digirail project”, which will renew the country’s rail control system.
The contract was recently awarded to Siemens and includes the installation of the European Train Control System Level 2 (ETCS L2) and the Hybrid Train Detection (HTD) for the first time in Finland on the 191-kilometre stretch between Lielahti and Rauma-Pori.
The project is another milestone in the implementation of Siemens Mobility’s latest interlocking and block centre technology on the DS3 platform, which is based entirely on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware.
The ETCS will help to increase the network’s capacity, improve punctuality, minimise disruptions, and enhance the safety of operation. It will pave the way for a more sustainable, efficient, and safe railway network and is expected to be in commercial service by 2027.
Andre Rodenbeck, CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility: “We are honoured to be chosen by Fintraffic Railway and the Digirail program as their prime partner for implementing the first ETCS line in Finland.
“This upgrade promises increased capacity, improved punctuality, minimised disruptions, enhanced safety, and a greener, more efficient railway network. We are excited about this partnership and the enhanced rail connectivity it will bring to Finland."
Sanna Järvenpää, CEO of Fintraffic Railway Ltd., said: “Fintraffic is driving transformation in the railway sector. Digirail Project represents a crucial investment for maintaining service level, increasing capacity, and improving punctuality and safety.
“The contract with Siemens Mobility marks a significant step in technological change of Finnish railways.”
Construction is scheduled to begin later in 2024, with the completion of testing and commissioning expected by 2027.
Image credit: iStock
