DB announce future digitalisation plans to control German train traffic

Deutsche Bahn have announced their future plans for train traffic control to be taken over by 280 digital signal boxes (DSTW) in a bid to continue their digitalisation progression. Germany’s 33,400km network will feature new high-tech interlockings, replacing over 2,600 current interlockings of numerous types from past years. The first digital interlocking has begun operation, placed on a long-distance rail line between Rostock and Warnemünde. The digital signal boxes represent the latest generation of interlockings – high-performance fibre-optic cables allow position commands to be digitally transmitted to tracks, switches, and signals.

Ronald Pofalla, DB Infrastructure Board member, said: “The railway can only make its contribution to the improvement of mobility and climate protection in Germany if it becomes more efficient. Digitalisation will make a decisive contribution to this. Digital interlocking units working in unison with the European-wide uniform train control system (ETCS) intelligently network all data of infrastructure and vehicles. They enable a completely new organisation of rail operations for all companies. The rail will gain significantly more capacity, become more reliable and technically standardised.”