ETCS level 2 baseline 3 application successfully tested in Denmark

(Image: Alstom Transport)

Alstom and Danish infrastructure owner Banedanmark have achieved a world first by successfully testing an ETCS (European Train Control System) level 2 baseline 3 application.

(Image: Alstom Transport)

Alstom and Banedanmark have successfully tested an ETCS level 2 baseline 3 application as part of the Danish Eastern network upgrade delivered by Alstom. Tests were conducted by Roskilde and Gadstrup.

Denmark will be completely equipped with ETCS level 2 baseline 3 in 10 years

Over the next ten years, Denmark will be completely equipped with ETCS level 2 baseline 3 – the newest baseline of ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System). Banedanmark has become the first infrastructure manager to apply this baseline. The application was validated by the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) in July 2016.

Commenting on the application testing, Pascal Cléré, Alstom Senior Vice President of Digital Mobility, said “These were the first successful tests of the baseline 3 application. They demonstrate the potential for modern signalling to deliver a more reliable and higher capacity network in Denmark. Together with Banedanmark we have now taken a huge step forward. Good progress continues towards the completion of the first roll out line.”

The tests were performed on the Early Deployment line and conducted from Copenhagen’s Traffic Control Centre. The operational test train from Alstom was equipped with ETCS L2, a STM (Standard Transmission Module) and legacy system. The tracks were equipped with Alstom’s Radio Block Centre and interlocking system, using simulated inputs.

In 2012, Banedanmark awarded Alstom a contract to replace the existing signalling system in the East region of Denmark with Atlas, Alstom’s ERTMS based signalling solution. It will be implemented on 12 intercity and regional lines in Sealand and Fyn regions. The contract also includes a maintenance period of 25 years.