Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has launched a major modernisation of its signalling infrastructure by introducing a new generation of digital interlockings that will make the national rail network more efficient, reliable, and sustainable. The programme, valued at around CHF 1.4 billion (EUR 1.5 billion), will see the gradual replacement of 80 percent of existing installations over the next 20 years, with the first systems expected to enter service in 2029 following extensive testing.
The contracts for the supply of the new digital interlocking systems have been awarded to Hitachi, Siemens, and Stadler Rail under framework agreements valid for ten years, with three optional five-year extensions and 25 years of maintenance and support.
Towards a digital railway system
SBB is advancing digitalisation across all areas of its operations to increase capacity on Switzerland’s densely used rail network. The introduction of digital interlockings is a key step towards a fully networked digital railway, featuring driver’s-cab signalling, advanced traffic control, and real-time management of train movements.
“Digital interlockings are at the heart of the future rail system,” SBB said in a statement. “They will enable trains to run more frequently and reliably, creating additional capacity on the same infrastructure and improving the travel experience for passengers.”
Greater capacity and reliability
By replacing outdated relay technology, some of which dates back to the 1950s, the new interlockings will reduce maintenance costs and complexity. Today, SBB operates around 500 interlocking systems of varying generations, many of which are reaching the end of their operational life.
Digital systems will allow trains to operate at shorter intervals by integrating directly with cab signalling, where all movement authorities and operational information are displayed to the driver inside the cab rather than on trackside signals. The new equipment will also be modular and standardised, making it easier and cheaper to upgrade individual components when needed.
Long-term modernisation plan
SBB expects the modernisation of interlockings to take place in stages over approximately 40 years, prioritising installations according to their remaining life, customer benefit, and alignment with Switzerland’s nationwide rollout of cab signalling. The company anticipates that, with new technology, significantly fewer interlocking sites will be required in the long term.
Tender process
The tender for the project was launched in autumn 2022 and divided into two lots.
- Lot 1 covers complete interlocking systems, including hardware and software, and was awarded to Hitachi and Siemens.
- Lot 2 covers object controllers—electronic components that operate points, signals, and track sections—and was awarded to Stadler Rail.
Both lots include development, training, maintenance, and support services in addition to system delivery. Future orders for individual interlockings will be issued progressively in line with the modernisation schedule, with framework partners invited to bid for each phase.
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