Banedanmark ushers in Europe’s future train-control system

Denmark’s state-owned railway infrastructure enterprise, Banedanmark, is preparing for the railway signaling and train control system to be established across the European Union by 2020. It has selected Nokia Siemens Networks’ GSM-Railway (GSM-R) technology to ensure interoperability with the railways in Sweden and Germany, while increasing the speed, capacity and security of the country’s train operations.

“The new implementation will facilitate our seamless transition to Europe’s future train control system. Nokia Siemens Networks’ is helping us lay continuing foundation for one of the most secure, environmentally friendly and punctual methods of transporting people and freight,” said Kenneth Lau Rentius, CIO, Banedanmark.

Nokia Siemens Networks’ standardized GSM-R solution will bring the benefits of a secure digital voice communication and transmission for railway signaling data. While voice communication allows internal mobile voice calls – for example allowing train drivers to communicate with control centers – the data transmission will eliminate the need for external „traffic lights‟ along the tracks, instead using proven automatic signaling technology to the train, reducing costs and ensuring higher reliability.

Under the turnkey agreement, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide GSM-R switches, base stations, registers, its intelligent network system, short message service center, dispatcher terminals and voice recording equipment. To ensure network efficiency and stability, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide a broad range of services including network design, project management, network implementation and maintenance. The deal also includes Nokia Siemens Networks’ NetAct network management system. Ensuring stable and secure operations, the network will be built with high redundancy.

“Banedanmark has always been at the forefront of modernizing its train operations to make them more reliable and efficient. Nokia Siemens Networks’ GSM-R technology will support its rapidly growing suite of on-board customer and staff applications in addition to helping it usher in the future of railway communication systems in the European Union,” said Terje Hoemsnes, head of safety and transportation, Nokia Siemens Networks. “With this deal we have added another significant milestone to our GSM-R credentials.”