Hitachi Rail Partners with ÖBB on Austria's Largest Railway Signaling Digitalization Project
Long-term €1.3bn contract for the development, rollout and servicing of digital interlockings across the ÖBB infrastructure network.
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ÖBB has awarded Hitachi Rail a nationwide 30-year framework contract worth €1.3 billion for the introduction of cutting-edge interlocking signaling technology. As one of two selected technology partners, Hitachi Rail will provide key services ranging from the development of safety-critical software to network-wide deployment across the ÖBB system and lifecycle support for the installations. This long-term agreement was officially presented at InnoTrans by Johann Pluy, Member of the ÖBB-Infrastruktur Executive Board, in the presence of the Austrian Federal Minister Peter Hanke. Hitachi Rail was represented by Hannes Boyer, Vice President North Central & Eastern Europe.
From a technological perspective, this long-term project marks the beginning of a new era in signaling for Austria, providing the foundation needed to meet growing demands on rail operations. The program is designed for deployment across the entire ÖBB infrastructure network and can be implemented efficiently and scalably on both heavily used main lines and regional or secondary routes. It is intended to support all operational functions currently required while gradually replacing existing electronic interlocking systems with a digitalized, standardized and centralized architecture.
With around 300 digital interlocking units, the project is among the largest and most strategically significant railway infrastructure programs in Europe.
Focus on Reliability, Availability and Cost Efficiency
In addition to reliability and availability, long-term economic efficiency is a key objective.
Shared computing and platform resources, standardized components, controlled software releases, reduced decentralized field equipment, and enhanced maintenance and diagnostics will reduce complexity and maintenance requirements. The program therefore supports central goals of ÖBB's digitalization strategy: increased operational availability and quality, as well as lower long-term costs.
For passengers, the benefits will largely be behind the scenes. Higher technical availability and improved resilience of the rail network will help ensure more reliable operations, speed up the resolution of disruptions and, together with other digitalization and expansion projects, create the foundation for a larger and more attractive rail service offering.
Hannes Boyer, VP North, Central & Eastern Europe: "Together with ÖBB, Hitachi Rail plays a key role in the digitalization of Austria's railway network. By combining global signaling expertise with Austrian engineering excellence, we are creating the foundations for a more reliable, efficient and attractive rail system for future generations. This partnership sustainably strengthens Vienna's position as a strategic development hub and will serve as an important reference project for the digitalization of railways across Europe."
Johann Pluy, Member of the ÖBB-Infrastruktur Executive Board: "The Digital Interlocking is a key technology for the railway system of the future. With this award, we are setting the course for the comprehensive digitalization of our signaling and control systems and creating the conditions to make rail transport in Austria even more efficient, resilient, and higher-performing. In doing so, ÖBB is also setting new international standards in digital traffic management."
40 New Highly Qualified Jobs at Handelskai
A significant share of the value creation associated with the project will be delivered at Hitachi Rail's Vienna Handelskai site. At this location, safety-critical software functions will be further developed, project-specific integration and engineering services will be delivered, and both deployment and long-term service support will be provided. In connection with the project, Hitachi Rail plans to create 40 new highly qualified jobs in Vienna. Hitachi Rail has been active in Austria for more than six decades. The Vienna site combines local research and development, engineering, project delivery and service capabilities with the Group's global signaling expertise. This combination not only strengthens Austria's rail network but also creates know-how that can be leveraged for further digitalization projects across Europe.
www.hitachirail.com
