Recently, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) announced the signing of a framework agreement worth 1.4 billion Swiss francs (approximately 1.8 billion US dollars) with three suppliers, Hitachi Railway, Siemens Mobility, and Stadler Railway, to jointly promote the digital upgrade of the national railway interlocking system. This ten-year cooperation agreement also includes three five-year renewal options, with a maintenance and technical support period of up to 25 years for a single system, marking a new stage in the modernization of Swiss railway infrastructure.

This bidding will be launched in the autumn of 2022, divided into two technical sections: the first batch covers complete hardware and software solutions for interlocking systems, and Hitachi and Siemens won the bid; The second batch focuses on electronic components for controlling switches, signals, and track sections, obtained by Stadler Railway. The two first batch winning companies can still participate in the second batch of special bidding for specific needs. SBB emphasizes that this flexible batch mode ensures the continuous introduction of optimal technical solutions in the subsequent implementation of specific projects.

About half of the nearly 500 sets of interlocking equipment still in operation in the Swiss railway network use relay technology from the 1950s. These aging systems not only have high maintenance costs and serious loss of technical talents, but also constrain the expansion of road networks and the improvement of operational efficiency. The new generation of digital interlocking system will significantly improve equipment compatibility and maintenance convenience through standardized and modular design, laying the foundation for the implementation of cab signal control system - this is the core prerequisite for achieving higher train density and shorter running intervals. Keywords: international news, engineering news

According to the implementation plan, the first new interlocking system will be put into trial operation in 2029. The entire upgrade plan cycle is about 40 years, of which 80% of the equipment will be replaced within the first 20 years. SBB will advance the renovation project in stages based on equipment lifespan, technical benefits, and the unified deployment requirements of the national signal system. Through this systematic upgrade, Swiss Federal Railways is expected to significantly streamline the total number of interlocking equipment and build a safer, more efficient, and sustainable railway operation network.Editor/Cheng Liting