Dutch Railways (NS Group N.V), has chosen Siemens Mobility to retrofit 176 of its ViRM trains with the latest ETCS Level 2 technology.
This will enable the fleet to operate more efficiently for the remainder of its working life, as well as meet the latest European standards for rail safety interoperability.
The new system will also simplify future upgrades to the next ETCS versions according to Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) standards.
Siemens will provide the ETCS onboard equipment and installation support, as well as seven years of maintenance services for the system.
The retrofitting will take place between 2023 and 2027.
This contract is part of Dutch Railway’s programme to retrofit its existing rolling stock fleet with the latest train control technology.
Siemens has already implemented retrofit projects in several countries across Europe, including Switzerland, Great Britain, Spain, and Belgium, but this is the first major contract of its kind in the Netherlands.
The two organisations view this initial award as the start of a long-term, collaborative partnership.
“All over Europe, rail operators are looking for new solutions to increase capacity and reduce energy consumption as well as infrastructure costs.
“Our sophisticated ETCS onboard technology will help Dutch Railways to achieve their modernisation and performance goals.
“This important project is another significant step in transforming the more than 20 different national railway control and safety systems currently being used in Europe, towards a harmonised and interoperable system that safely paves the way for cross border rail transportation.”
