INDUSTRY FOCUS RAIL
A NEW GENERATION OF DIGITAL INTERLOCKING
Hitachi Rail Consortium has commissioned the first ARGOS Digital Interlocking System with SNCF Réseau in France. But what is Digital Interlocking and what are its benefits?
D
igital interlocking is an integral feature of today’s trains, controlling the movements of trains and ensuring they
only enter free track sections. The system has advantages over traditional interlocking technologies – reducing the need for physical connections, enabling remote control, and improving safety and efficiency.
In 2018 SNCF Réseau launched the ARGOS
program to renew and modernise interlocking solutions for the French national rail network, developing new Digital Interlocking that will enable safer, more advanced, more efficient and more reliable operations. And, after almost five years in research and development, Hitachi Rail’s new digital interlocking solution – designed specifically for SNCF Réseau – has begun operating on the French rail network. The solution is said to feature major innovations that place the product at the forefront of world digital signalling solutions.
AN INNOVATIVE SOLUTION By managing vital information centrally, in real time and with decentralised field controllers, Hitachi Rail’s newly developed solution will ensure smooth traffic operation while reducing overall life cycle cost. The Hitachi Rail Consortium Solution is an
innovative, fully digital, highly reliable system that aligns with SNCF Réseau’s needs for safety, performance, cost reduction and fast implementation. The solution’s decentralised architecture – with object controllers positioned as close as possible to trackside equipment – provides high modularity, reduces cable cost, connection and relays, reduces civil work, and ensures equipment standardisation, lower stock requirements, and finally reduced obsolescence management costs. According to the company, this approach helps optimise deployment cost and time, achieving SNCF Réseau’s goal of a 15% reduction in total ownership costs and 30% reduction in the deployment schedule. Furthermore, the new system guarantees significant improvements in overall performance, as well as advances in cybersecurity, maintenance and operations. Christophe Jeanney, GTS country director of
Hitachi Rail in France said: “Our collaboration with SNCF Réseau has enabled us to pioneer a new generation of Digital Interlocking. This step further strengthens our long-standing
36 DESIGN SOLUTIONS JUNE 2025
said: “INEO SCLE FERROVIAIRE, a company of Equans Transport Systems, has developed a long partnership with Hitachi Rail. Playing a key role in the deployment of the interlocking systems, we are proud to have successfully met this challenge alongside our partners for the commissioning of the first ARGOS stations.” Xavier Payet, general director of SNIC SIGNALISATION, added: “SNIC is proud to support the successful commissioning of the first ARGOS Digital Interlocking System, marking a new milestone in our long-standing partnership with Hitachi Rail and our enduring commitment to SNCF Réseau. For over three decades, SNIC has been delivering its expertise in computerised interlocking systems and continues to contribute to the modernisation of railway
and trusted partnership with SNCF Réseau, with which we are supporting the digital transformation of the SNCF Réseau network.” Pascal Gessat, president of Equans France,
signalling through innovation, reliability, and operational excellence.”
Hitachi Rail
hitachirail.com
ON TRACK FOR GREENER RAIL TRANSPORT Traction converters and Pro Series Traction Batteries from ABB have been specified for a fleet of new
trainsets in the US, helping optimise performance and reduce CO2 emissions. Under the new collaboration with Stadler US, ABB is supplying its traction converters and Pro Series Traction Batteries for Metra’s and Caltrans’ fleets of new trainsets in Illinois and California. This, the company states, is a significant step towards greener rail transport in the US. ABB’s traction converters are designed for high efficiency and reliability, working to optimise the performance of the trainsets, while the battery system will further enable Metra to reduce
their CO2 emissions. Metra, which will become one of the first rail operators in the US to operate full battery-powered
trainsets, placed an order for eight two-car trainsets in June 2024. Each trainset will run throughout Chicago and will be equipped with Pro 8C batteries and CC750 DC traction converters. Caltrans, meanwhile, has signed an historic contract with Stadler US for hydrogen passenger
trains in North America. The fleet will consist of ten trainsets, and ABB will supply Pro 8C traction batteries, CC750 DC traction converters, and CC400 DC traction converters for each. The traction converter for fuel cell integration is essential in hydrogen-powered trains, enabling efficient propulsion that reduces power usage and emissions. Final assembly and testing of the components for these trainsets will be conducted at ABB’s
Traction factory in Mechanicsville, Virginia, which employees nearly 100 skilled production workers. “Our collaboration with Stadler is a testament to our commitment to sustainable
transportation solutions,” commented Edgar Keller, president, ABB Traction division. “By leveraging our advanced technology and local manufacturing capabilities, we are helping drive the transition to cleaner rail transport.” Adding to this, Martin Ritter, CEO Division North America, Stadler, said: “By integrating ABB's
traction batteries and converters into our trainsets, we are not only enhancing the efficiency and reliability of our fleets but also contributing to a state-of-the-art transit future. This partnership underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that will benefit communities across the country.”
ABB
www.abb.com
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