Wedoany.com Report-Dec.19, Belgium has successfully completed the nationwide deployment of the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 across its railway network. The milestone follows the conclusion of a collaborative project involving Siemens Mobility, Equans, and Belgian railway infrastructure manager Infrabel.

Belgium's 'ETCS Masterplan' set the goal of equipping all railway lines with the new system by December 2025.

Initiated in 2015, the initiative equipped 2,274 kilometers of rail lines with ETCS Level 2 technology. By incorporating modern interlockings and enabling continuous digital communication, the upgrade enhances operational performance and facilitates smooth cross-border train services in accordance with European Union standards.

Siemens Mobility led the design, implementation, and modernization of ETCS Level 2 systems and interlockings for most of the network. Equans oversaw on-site activities, including cabling, civil works, documentation, electrical installations, and equipment deployment.

Equans Belux CEO Mark Dirckx said: "With the nationwide installation of the European train control system ETCS and the achievement of the ETCS Masterplan, we have made an important contribution to safer, more efficient and future-proof rail transport in Belgium.

"Thanks to a partnership with Siemens Mobility, we realised a technically and logistically complex project of impressive scale: extensive rail lines, thousands of track equipment, and a robust digital infrastructure."

Prior to the upgrade, Belgium's railways relied on older signalling systems that posed limitations in reliability, efficiency, and international compatibility. The national ETCS Masterplan targeted full system installation across all lines by December 2025.

The rollout covered significant routes linking cities such as Arlon, Bruges, Ghent, Hasselt, Mons, and Verviers. The modernized network now features 46 interlockings, 37 Radio Block Centres, more than 19,000 balises, and approximately 4,536 signals. Real-time train oversight is supported through GSM-R communication technology.

Belgium has achieved comprehensive ETCS coverage, incorporating both Levels 1 and 2 throughout its railway system. The project prioritized national railway axes and major European transport corridors.

Siemens Mobility CEO Michael Peter said: "Belgium is the first country to implement ETCS across a highly complex network under rolling conditions with almost no closures – setting the example Europe must follow.

"The on-time completion and commissioning of this project, exactly ten years after its start, reflects the strength of our partnership with Infrabel and the consortium's unwavering commitment.

"With much of Belgium's rail network now running on ETCS Level 2, our proven signalling technology delivers the highest safety standards and a more efficient, future-ready rail system for the entire country."

This accomplishment establishes Belgium as a leader in advanced railway signalling, demonstrating effective large-scale modernization while maintaining ongoing operations.