Adif has begun ERTMS trials on secondary lines as part of a programme to deploy the signalling system on these lower-density routes, which will offer the same safety and capacity benefits as those installed on main lines.
ERTMS trials are being carried out on the metre-gauge low traffic density rail section between La Asunción Universidad station in León and Guardo.
The project will test ERTMS Level 2 using satellite train location/position and public telecommunications networks. The project also includes Level 1 ERTMS trials, which, although not incorporating new technologies as in the case of Level 2, will test new operating scenarios such as level crossing management.
The system trials will take place during the first half of 2026. The initial tests have begun with checks to ensure the correct operation of the odometry or distance measurement – travelled of the ERTMS equipment installed on the train. In 2026, the Level 1 ERTMS tests will be conducted first, followed by the Level 2 tests.
The new application of ERTMS Level 2 to be tested on the La Asunción Universidad–Guardo section is characterised by requiring less trackside equipment, while maintaining the same safety performance as the ERTMS systems typically in use.
The project undertaken by Adif began with a phase dedicated to characterising regional lines and defining the pilot line. Following the installation of the equipment on the infrastructure along the La Asunción Universidad–Guardo section, dynamic testing has now commenced.
The implementation initiative includes the following actions:
- The search for innovative solutions, given that this is an innovation project with a sustainable approach;
- Preparation of the construction project documentation;
- Connection with the Control Centre, as well as communications, field equipment, and station installations; and
- Installation of the following systems on the La Asunción Universidad–Guardo line: – ERTMS Level 1 on a representative section of the line (La Ercina–Puente Almuhey); – ERTMS Level 2 on the La Asunción Universidad–Boñar section, including the installation of an RBC (Radio Block Centre) unit in the León Control Centre building; – ERTMS equipment fitted to a Class 2600 DMU to test the installed functionalities. This unit, belonging to Renfe Viajeros, has been converted into a Test Laboratory for monitoring and recording the various operating scenarios during the trials.
In this way, the secondary lines could benefit from the advantages and functionalities of the European standard. ERTMS significantly improves service quality, performance, and levels of reliability, quality, and efficiency. Furthermore, it increases the system’s transport capacity by reducing the intervals between trains in operation and lowering operating costs.
The project on the ERTMS trials on secondary lines resulting on the deployment on the low-density lines and the installation of the technology on the mainlines is part of the roadmap set out by the European Commission, agencies, and sector stakeholders – railway companies, rail industries, and organisations – for the application of the ERTMS standard in GNSS-based satellite positioning, making particular use of the European Galileo and EGNOS systems. This would allow, among other benefits, a reduction in the number of physical balises required on the infrastructure.
In this context, the project is benefiting from the results of initiatives focused on applying satellite technology to railway operations. Adif has actively collaborated in two completed European innovation projects – ERSAT GGC and RAILGAP – both centred on the use of satellite systems for rail traffic control through the development of this new ERTMS deployment for secondary railway lines.
Spain leads its ERTMS implementation in Europe, with more than 3,000 kilometres in operation. The development and roll-out of this European system for rail traffic management has, over recent decades, contributed to safe and interoperable railway operations, with widespread deployment on international lines. However, its adoption on secondary lines has been more limited, due to its high cost and the difficulty of ensuring compatibility with existing equipment.
Share on:
