Thales supplies heart of railway network of the future in Stuttgart

As a part of the “Digital railways Germany” program, Deutsche Bahn will modernise the Stuttgart region with a digital signalling system (DSTW*), the European Train Control System (ETCS*) and Automatic Train Operations (ATO*) with driver. Thales was chosen to digitise the signalling system to enable a substantial capacity increase. This high-tech signalling will make it easier for trains to stay on schedule and enabling more trains to travel without having to build a single meter of additional tracks.

The project, based on leading-edge technologies, sets standards for digitizing railways in Germany and Europe. The contract with a value of approximately 127 million euros covers the installation of the digital signalling system, the installation of ETCS and preliminary work for the implementation of the track-side automatic operations. It also covers the Capacity & Traffic Management System (CTMS*), a modern technology and operating site, in excess of 6,000 electronic kilometre markers (balises), more than 1,300 axle counting points and approximately 650 point machines.

Modernising the existing high-density rail infrastructure

The Stuttgart region is one of the most densely populated areas in Germany with about 2.7 million inhabitants. Although it is impossible to build new lines, the digitalization of the signalling system will improve the capacity of the existing rail infrastructure here by 20%! In concrete terms, the project requires the implementation of a brand-new signalling system while keeping on running trains with minimum interruptions and no compromise on safety.

Significant benefits high tech signalling

Thales’ digital signalling systems enable train operators to reduce spaces between trains while ensuring optimal safety. Compared with traditional signalling systems, digital signalling systems will make it possible to run more trains with higher reliability for better service and comfort, as well as optimised freight transport. Running more passengers and freight trains on the same rail infrastructure will benefit Deutsche Bahn in several ways, including lowering maintenance costs through better reliability of equipment, higher revenues and a better ecological footprint. The project also supports Europe’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2050 by enhancing rail usage.

Why Thales?

Thales has been partnering with Deutsche Bahn for decades on the German railway network including the Stuttgart region. It combines worldwide both proven signalling and proven digital expertise that make them an ideal digital partner for Deutsche Bahn, including cyber security expertise, as well as big data and Ai knowledge that will benefit Deutsche Bahn’s digital ambitions.