The consortium formed by Siemens Mobility and Equans, in collaboration with the Belgian railway infrastructure manager Infrabel, has completed and commissioned a major project to modernize the Belgian railway network by implementing the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 nationwide.
The project, which began in 2015, involved the modernization of 2,274 kilometers of railway, helping to bring the Belgian network up to the highest European standards in terms of safety, operational efficiency, and interoperability.
ETCS Level 2, operational on a large part of the network
By integrating electronic centralisation and continuous digital communications, the implementation of ETCS Level 2 allows for more efficient network operation and smooth cross-border train traffic, in full compliance with European Union requirements.
The modernization covered the entire territory of Belgium, with a focus on European transport corridors and the main national rail axes, positioning the country at the forefront of the digital transformation of European rail systems.
The roles of Siemens Mobility and Equans in the project
Within the consortium, Siemens Mobility was responsible for the implementation and modernization of ETCS Level 2 systems and signaling installations on most of the Belgian rail network.
Equans carried out the field work, including civil construction, electrical installations, equipment assembly, cabling, and technical documentation.
“Belgium is the first country to implement ETCS on a highly complex network under continuous operation with minimal traffic disruption. The completion and commissioning of the project exactly ten years after its inception reflects the strength of the partnership with Infrabel and the commitment of the consortium. A large part of the Belgian rail network now operates with ETCS Level 2, ensuring the highest safety standards and a rail system that is ready for the future,” said Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility.
Belgium’s ETCS Master Plan completed ahead of EU deadline
Prior to this program, the Belgian rail network relied on outdated signaling systems that limited reliability and interoperability.
In response to European regulations on safety and interoperability, Belgium launched the ETCS Master Plan, with the goal of equipping all lines with ETCS by December 2025, ahead of the European deadline.
Phased implementation and complete national coverage
ETCS implementation was carried out in phases, line by line, prioritizing strategic routes and international connections.
The Trainguard 200 (RBC – ETCS Level 2) and Simis W (centralization) solutions provided by Siemens enable train traffic optimization through GSM-R communications, increasing network capacity and efficiency.
The project covers Belgium’s major cities, connecting Bruges, Ghent, Hasselt, Arlon, Verviers, and Mons in a network that crosses the country from north to south and east to west.
In total, 46 interlocking installations, 37 radio block centers (RBCs), over 19,000 beacons, and approximately 4,536 signals were integrated.
With the completion of the project, Belgium has achieved full ETCS implementation across its entire rail network, with Level 1 and Level 2 coverage, reinforcing its commitment to a safe, interoperable, and
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