Wedoany.com Report-Dec.1, Siemens Mobility has been awarded a contract by Chile's state railway operator, EFE Trenes de Chile, to install the country's first European Train Control System Level 2 (ETCS L2) signalling solution. The project covers 87 kilometres of new railway lines on the Tren Alameda-Melipilla and Tren Santiago-Batuco routes, both currently under construction.

The ETCS Level 2 signalling systems will operate on the DS3 platform.

Under the agreement, Siemens Mobility will handle engineering, supply, installation, and commissioning of the advanced signalling systems over a five-year period, followed by a ten-year maintenance phase. The systems will operate on the DS3 platform, certified to Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL4) standards.

This initiative marks the first deployment of Siemens Mobility's Signaling X platform in Latin America. The centralized architecture integrates interlockings, trackside equipment, and control functions through a virtual data centre running on standard commercial hardware. The installation includes new interlockings, wayside signalling, two traffic control centres, and onboard equipment for 32 trains. Communication between track and train will use 4G-LTE networks, with provision for future migration to 5G.

Marc Ludwig, CEO of Siemens Mobility Rail Infrastructure, stated: "We are honoured to lead this pivotal project in Latin America, bringing our cutting-edge Signaling X technology to the region for the first time and setting new standards for railway operations and efficiency.

"Siemens Mobility's expertise and advanced solutions pave the way for future digitalisation efforts, enabling sustainable and high-performing railway operations."

The project will significantly reduce the number of physical interlocking units required along the routes, simplifying both construction and long-term maintenance while enhancing overall system reliability and capacity.

To support ongoing and future regional activities, Siemens Mobility plans to establish a dedicated software maintenance Centre of Competence in the area.

The Chilean contract builds on Siemens Mobility’s growing presence across Latin America, where the company has previously delivered automated metro systems and digital signalling projects in countries including Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina. In Brazil, Siemens Mobility recently secured the largest ETCS Level 2 contract awarded in Latin America to date.

The new signalling infrastructure will provide the foundation for safe, efficient, and high-capacity passenger services on both commuter lines once they enter operation, contributing to improved connectivity in the greater Santiago metropolitan region.