Ruhrbahn GmbH has contracted Siemens Mobility to digitalise control and safety technology for the light rail systems in Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany.
This project, valued at 180 million EUR, includes the modernisation of Europe’s largest light rail interlocking system at Essen Central Station, making it more reliable and energy-efficient.
The system currently uses relay interlockings, which have been in place since the 1970s. These will now be replaced by electronic interlockings using Siemens Mobility’s Trackguard technology.
The interlocking system at Essen Central Station alone currently sets points 5,000 times and switches signals to green 23,000 times per day, highlighting the scale of the upgrade.
“After decades of wear and tear and the interim refurbishment of the relay technology in three of our five interlockings, we are now undertaking the complete renewal and digitalisation of the train control and safety technology for tram and light rail transport in Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr. Our aim is to make the existing network more efficient and reliable. When the renewal project is completed, there will be fewer disruptions and downtimes, making the use of public transport even more attractive for our passengers.”
As part of this project, Siemens will upgrade the 28-kilometre train control section covering 39 stations. The signalling system will be modernised with LEDs and a new axle-counting system for improved track vacancy detection.
The work will integrate the metropolitan region’s three- and four-rail systems, ensuring seamless operations with state-of-the-art technologies.
“Reaching the goal of climate-neutral mobility will require a significant increase of passenger capacity in public rail transport. Smart cities are tackling and solving this challenge with modern technology. We are delighted that Ruhrbahn is converting its rail system to be fit for the future and that we have been chosen to implement this project with state-of-the-art control and safety technology by 2031. The digitalization of Europe’s largest light rail interlocking in Essen marks a great technological leap forward for rail operations. Once completed, passengers will benefit from a more reliable and punctual rail system.”
This project is being funded in part by the municipal rail renewal programme, with state and federal support covering 60% of the costs.
Work will proceed in five phases to minimise disruptions, with only short-term restrictions in specific sections of the network. Completion is expected by 2031.
