ÖBB orders more electronic interlockings for marshalling yards from Funkwerk IT

ÖBB Infrastruktur AG recently placed another order with Funkwerk Information Technologies GmbH (Funkwerk IT) for delivery of two further electronic interlockings of the Alister type for marshalling yards. This will bring the number of interlockings by Funkwerk IT in ÖBB marshalling yards and central service locations in Vienna, Graz and Innsbruck to six by mid-2011.

Locally operated electric points and Alister electronic interlockings for marshalling yards from Funkwerk IT increase the cost-effectiveness of ÖBB’s rail operations. Copyright: Funkwerk IT, markus-steur.de

The new interlocking systems are part of a framework contract concluded in 2009 between ÖBB and Funkwerk IT for delivery of locally operated electric points and electronic interlockings for marshalling yards. The functionalities of the systems supplied by Funkwerk IT have been tailored to the different sizes and requirements of the individual marshalling yards. They range from local operation of individual points and route setting functions using route control panels or simple workstations to centrally controlled electronic interlockings. Funkwerk IT’s solution for ÖBB is based on the Alister technology platform for marshalling yard applications. This platform consists of standard components widely used in industrial automation and is of modular design which enables flexible adaptation of the system to any requirement.

The use of standard industrial components and advanced development processes made it possible to implement the first three interlockings within a very short period of time. The first interlocking in Graz, commissioned in November 2009, was completed in six months only. Two interlockings in Vienna Matzleinsdorf for the train service area and tracks to the maintenance workshops followed in December 2009. This year the interlocking in Vienna Grillgasse will go into operation. The interlockings now in operation have been running practically without disruption since their commissioning.

For ÖBB, the introduction of the new Alister standard in Austria is a further step towards modern, efficient railway operations. For Funkwerk IT, it is yet another success for the Alister platform which is now in reliable operation in more than 40 installations in seven countries.