Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 8, Siemens Mobility and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) have signed a framework agreement to deploy digital interlockings across Switzerland’s rail network, marking a major step in modernising the country’s railway infrastructure. The agreement sets out contractual terms for construction, delivery, and services, with an initial term of ten years and the option to extend three times for five-year periods. It also includes a 25-year maintenance and support commitment.

The contract includes hardware, software, and services for the Signaling X solution, which centralises interlocking logic in data centres.

The contract covers hardware, software, and services for Siemens Mobility’s Signaling X solution, which centralises interlocking logic in data centres. The programme aims to modernise about 500 interlockings, replacing roughly 80% of existing systems over the next 20 years. Orders for individual interlockings will be awarded continuously, with the first commissioning targeted for 2029.

The digital architecture is expected to enhance rail operations, increase network capacity, and improve operational reliability. The framework also includes development, training, and support to cover the full lifecycle of the systems.

Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, said: “We are delighted to be shaping the future of the Swiss railway landscape together with SBB. At the heart of this transformation are virtual interlocking systems. With Signaling X, interlocking logic is intelligently shifted to central data centers, digitalizing rail operations from the ground up. This groundbreaking technology not only significantly increases the network’s capacity and reliability, but also decisively contributes to SBB’s climate goals.”

Siemens Mobility maintains a full value chain presence in Switzerland and has previously delivered various control and signalling projects, including complex systems. The SBB network spans 3,266 km of standard-gauge track, supporting both passenger and freight transport, making it the largest network in the country.

In addition to the Swiss project, Siemens Mobility recently began constructing a new facility in Luhe-Wildenau, Bavaria, Germany, dedicated to manufacturing battery systems for rail vehicles. The total investment is approximately €35 million ($41 million), with Siemens Mobility contributing around €22 million.

The Signaling X programme is expected to digitalise rail operations, increase operational efficiency, and support Switzerland’s broader transport and climate objectives. By modernising the interlocking infrastructure, SBB aims to improve network reliability, optimise capacity for passenger and freight services, and reduce operational constraints.

This collaboration reinforces Siemens Mobility’s role in advancing railway technology across Europe, combining digital solutions with long-term maintenance support to ensure the Swiss rail network remains robust, efficient, and future-ready.