Hitachi Rail has been awarded a landmark €1.3 billion nationwide framework contract by ÖBB to deliver the next generation of digital interlocking technology across Austria’s rail network over the next 30 years.
Selected as one of two strategic technology partners, Hitachi Rail will be responsible for developing safety-critical software, deploying new signalling systems across the network and providing long-term lifecycle support.
The agreement was formally unveiled at InnoTrans by Johann Pluy, Member of the ÖBB-Infrastruktur Executive Board, in the presence of Austrian Federal Minister Peter Hanke. Representing Hitachi Rail was Hannes Boyer, Vice President North Central & Eastern Europe.
The programme represents one of Europe’s most significant railway infrastructure modernisation projects and is set to transform the way Austria’s rail network is controlled and managed.
Around 300 digital interlocking units will be introduced across the ÖBB network, creating a standardised, centralised and highly scalable signalling architecture capable of supporting both busy main lines and regional routes.
The initiative will gradually replace existing electronic interlocking systems, providing the flexibility and capacity needed to meet growing passenger and freight demand while supporting future network expansion.
Alongside improving operational resilience, the programme aims to deliver long-term economic benefits through greater standardisation and digitalisation.
Shared computing platforms, standardised components, controlled software releases and a reduction in decentralised field equipment are expected to lower maintenance requirements and simplify network management.
Enhanced diagnostic capabilities will also help operators identify and resolve issues more quickly, improving network availability and service reliability.
For passengers, the benefits may largely occur behind the scenes, but the impact will be significant. Improved technical resilience and faster recovery from disruptions are expected to underpin a more dependable railway and support future growth in rail services across Austria.
A substantial proportion of the project’s delivery will be undertaken at Hitachi Rail’s Vienna Handelskai facility.
The site will play a key role in the development of safety-critical software, engineering integration, deployment activities and long-term service support throughout the programme’s lifespan.
As part of the contract, Hitachi Rail plans to create 40 new highly skilled positions in Vienna, further strengthening Austria’s rail technology and engineering sector.
Hitachi Rail has maintained a presence in Austria for more than 60 years, with its Vienna operation combining local research and development, engineering expertise, project delivery and support services with the company’s global signalling capabilities.
Hannes Boyer, VP North, Central & Eastern Europe at Hitachi Rail, said:
“Together with ÖBB, Hitachi Rail plays a key role in the digitalization of Austria’s railway network. By combining global signalling expertise with Austrian engineering excellence, we are creating the foundations for a more reliable, efficient and attractive rail system for future generations. This partnership sustainably strengthens Vienna’s position as a strategic development hub and will serve as an important reference project for the digitalization of railways across Europe.”
The contract is expected to become a flagship reference for large-scale railway digitalisation projects, demonstrating how modern interlocking technology can improve capacity, reliability and operational efficiency across national rail networks.
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