ÖBB awards €2.6 billion digital signalling contract

Austria’s federal railway operator ÖBB has awarded Siemens and Hitachi a €2.6 billion contract to digitalise its signalling system, ORF reported. A new generation of digital interlockings is to be introduced by 2030, with data centres gradually replacing existing signal boxes.

ÖBB currently operates 650 signal boxes across its Austrian rail network, each with connections and lines for electricity and air-conditioning systems. Once the transition is complete, three large data centres connected by fibre-optic lines are planned nationwide.

The change would generate major savings and increase rail capacity, ÖBB Infrastructure board member Johann Pluy said. He described it as the largest signalling technology project in ÖBB’s history.

Implementation will take place in stages. The first pilot project is scheduled to enter operation in the fourth quarter of 2030, followed by further pilot projects. If the pilot phase is successful, the technology will be rolled out across Austria, with all signal-box systems eventually replaced by digital interlockings.

Mobility Minister Peter Hanke said the transition would strengthen cybersecurity and technological sovereignty. Siemens Mobility Austria executive Tanja Kienegger described it as a fundamental change in approach.

A pilot project began in 2020 in Achau on the Ostbahn railway line. Norway began shutting down its signal boxes and dismantling railway signals with Siemens’ assistance last year, according to the report.

Hitachi Rail Vice President for Northern, Central and Eastern Europe Hannes Boyer highlighted the importance of the company’s Vienna location. The contract will add 40 employees to its existing workforce of 500, he said.

Siemens is also expanding in Austria. Kienegger said the company would invest €25 million in a digital testing centre.