Siemens Mobility will fully digitalise the Finnentrop interlocking in Germany’s most populous state, North-Rhine Westphalia, by the end of the year.
It will replace a total of 404 interlocking units for its customers, DB Netz AG. These include signals, switch points and derailers. Siemens will also equip 15 level crossings (at-grade crossings) with digital interfaces, while four of them will also be given new safety systems. This retrofitting project will provide intelligent control for 60km of railway line.
“The new digital interlocking will reduce disruptions in operations and provide the basis for rail automation and improved rail mobility. Passengers, freight, and the environment will benefit from this upgrade.
“We’re ready to apply our extensive know-how to make an important contribution to the digitalization of Germany’s rail network.”
The Finnentrop interlocking controls roughly 60km of railway line. Once Siemens has installed its digital equipment, the section’s entire safety and control technology will be operated digitally from a control centre. Siemens Mobility will cover the full scope of the project, from planning to completion.
Deutsche Bahn, the German Railway Industry Association (VDB) and the Federal Railway Authority (EBA) agreed to speed up the implementation of digital interlocking projects in Germany last September. This accelerated programme is using funds from the federal government’s coronavirus economic stimulus package. This current contract is part of that programme.
Siemens Mobility has already delivered digital interlockings in Germany, such as in Annaberg-Buchholz and Warnemünde. Siemens Mobility also holds the contract to digitalise Norway’s entire railway network, which comprises 4,200km of track and 375 stations.
