Hitachi Rail Commissions Digital Interlocking on Dovre Line

Hitachi Rail and Bane NOR have commissioned an L90-5 electronic interlocking system at Hove, located on the Dovre Line near Lillehammer in Norway. The installation digitises the control of points, signals and level crossings, supporting safer and more efficient train operations.

Digital Control of Signalling Infrastructure
The L90-5 electronic interlocking system replaces or supplements conventional relay-based logic with computer-based control. Installed at the Hove stabling facility, the system manages track switches, signal aspects and level crossings through a centralised digital architecture.

Electronic interlocking systems ensure that conflicting train routes cannot be set simultaneously, increasing operational safety. Digital control also allows faster response times, improved diagnostics and simplified configuration changes compared with legacy electromechanical systems.

By modernising the signalling infrastructure, the project contributes to more reliable day-to-day operations and reduced disruption from component failures.

Capacity and Maintenance Benefits
Digitisation of interlocking functions supports improved line capacity by enabling optimised route setting and more predictable train movements. In stabling and depot environments such as Hove, efficient point and signal control is essential for managing train positioning and turnaround operations.

The system also facilitates more efficient maintenance processes. Digital interlocking platforms typically provide enhanced fault logging and remote diagnostics, allowing maintenance teams to identify issues more quickly and reduce time spent on site.

Together, these capabilities contribute to greater operational resilience across Norway’s rail network.

International Delivery and Network Standards
The project leveraged Hitachi Rail expertise across Norway, Germany and Romania and was delivered in compliance with Norwegian rail infrastructure standards. Meeting national safety and performance requirements is critical for integration into existing signalling and traffic management systems.

As traffic demand increases and sustainability objectives become more prominent, upgrading signalling systems plays a central role in enhancing rail capacity and reducing delays. Digital interlocking provides a foundation for further modernisation initiatives, including advanced traffic management and future automation capabilities.

The commissioning at Hove demonstrates the application of electronic interlocking technology to strengthen reliability, optimise operations and support long-term development of Norway’s rail infrastructure.