en.Wedoany.com Reported - Siemens Mobility has signed a contract with Zillertaler Verkehrsbetriebe to modernize the traffic control and management systems along the entire 32-kilometer Zillertalbahn line in Austria, one of the country's most renowned narrow-gauge railways, with operations planned to begin in 2028.
The project covers the 32-kilometer route between Jenbach and Mayrhofen in Tyrol, making it Austria's largest project based on Trainguard STC technology. The contract includes the implementation of a new digital railway traffic control system and at least 20 years of maintenance services. The new system will use radio communication and satellite technology for continuous traffic monitoring, covering 10 stations, 8 stops, 82 sets of points, and 16 trains along the line.
In terms of safety, each train will be equipped with an onboard unit that assists drivers by automatically calculating braking curves, continuously monitoring speed, and applying brakes automatically in the event of overspeeding. The new system will also integrate 23 level crossings; trains must confirm the normal operation of safety systems before passing, and in the event of a fault, the technology will automatically stop the train before the crossing. Passengers will also benefit, gaining access to real-time train arrival and departure information at stations and online; station stop requests will be transmitted digitally, helping to optimize traffic flow.
"We are transforming the historic Zillertalbahn into a model of modern transportation. Through our technology, we are committed to developing more efficient, safer, and higher-performance rail transport that will benefit passengers, railway operators, and the environment," said Tanja Kienegger, CEO of Siemens Mobility Austria. Andreas Lackner, a board member of Zillertaler Verkehrsbetriebe, noted: "The modernization of the train control system is a giant step into the future for the Zillertalbahn. This project meets the growing demands for safety, efficiency, and digitalization, and is closely linked to our decarbonization plans, which include new overhead contact lines and sustainable solutions for railway operations. In this way, we are laying the foundation for modern, environmentally friendly transportation in the Zillertal valley."
The Zillertalbahn line has provided rail transport in Tyrol for over 120 years, and the new system will enable it to operate according to modern standards. The control system modernization is a key component of its comprehensive renovation plan, which also includes the complete decarbonization of the line through electrification and the introduction of sustainable solutions for railway operations.
Trainguard STC is a solution developed by Siemens Mobility specifically for regional and narrow-gauge lines. It achieves a high degree of automation through radio communication and satellite positioning, eliminating the need for complex signaling infrastructure along the track, helping to reduce operational and maintenance costs while enhancing transport capacity and safety.
