Hitachi Rail Drives Incremental Modernization of Germany's Rail Infrastructure with Advanced Signaling
Hitachi Rail is advancing Germany's rail modernization through phased upgrades, digital signaling, and automated freight locomotive trials, focusing on practical improvements that enhance capacity and safety.
- • Hitachi focuses on incremental rail system modernization in Germany rather than complete overhauls.
- • Automated freight locomotive trials are underway on the Betuweroute to reduce road congestion.
- • The Hamburg-Berlin high-speed rail corridor will close for nine months starting in 2025 for major ETCS upgrades.
- • ETCS installation aims to boost rail safety and capacity but will be fully operational by early 2030s.
Key details
Hitachi Rail is actively pursuing the modernization of Germany's complex rail system by focusing on incremental upgrades rather than total overhauls. Markus Fritz, Vice President Markets Germany at Hitachi, highlights the system's current capacity limits and technological stagnation after decades without major updates. Recognizing Germany as a model for future high-tech rail transport, Hitachi aims to demonstrate innovations that other nations could follow.
Currently supplying advanced signaling technologies, Hitachi is also testing Europe's first automated freight locomotive on the Betuweroute, a critical freight corridor connecting Rotterdam and Germany, which is intended to alleviate road congestion. A major infrastructure project is slated for the Hamburg-Berlin route beginning in 2025, involving a nine-month full closure for extensive renovations and installation of the European Train Control System (ETCS). This digital signaling will enhance safety and network capacity but is not expected to be fully operational until the early 2030s.
Hitachi's approach balances ambitious technological advancement with realistic, affordable steps to significantly improve Germany’s rail capacity and reliability. Fritz expressed optimism about establishing Hitachi as a comprehensive rail market provider while contributing broadly to the trans-European transport network goals.