The Swiss railway company SBB is preparing to introduce a new digital system to manage and control rail traffic, by developing a new digital platform designed to support the expansion of the network’s capacity from 2030 onwards. The new system will allow a greater number of trains to run, increase operational stability and offer greater flexibility in managing rail traffic.
Until the new technology is introduced, SBB will continue to use the current Iltis system, developed by Siemens Mobility, by extending the contract for maintenance and technical support. This measure is intended to ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of the Swiss rail network during the transition period.
The procurement process for the new digital traffic control system is scheduled to begin in 2027, in accordance with public procurement legislation. Its introduction is planned in phases, starting in the early 2030s.
For the transition period, on 29 July 2026 SBB published the extension of the contract with Siemens for technical support of the Iltis system on the Swiss procurement platform Simap.
Contract for the maintenance of the current system
The maximum amount earmarked for maintenance and technical support services until the Iltis system is fully replaced is CHF 280 million (EUR 294 million). The contract may cover the period up to 2045 at the latest, although SBB intends to complete the roll-out of the new technology as early as the beginning of the 2040s.
SBB states that changing the provider for the maintenance of the current system is not possible for technical and legal reasons. Siemens is the company that developed the Iltis platform and holds the rights to the technology, whilst also possessing the necessary expertise to ensure its continued operation.
The services will be provided by Siemens Mobility Switzerland from its site in Wallisellen, meaning that the economic value generated by the contract will largely remain in Switzerland.
The current Iltis system (an integrated control and information system for rail operations) has been used by SBB for over 30 years and has become an essential component of Swiss rail traffic management.
However, developments in rail transport, rising traffic volumes and the advancement of digital technologies call for a new solution. The future system will need to be connected to the new digital signalling equipment and modern train scheduling systems, whilst complying with international standards and helping to optimise operations.
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