Hitachi Rail has, with its Slovenian long-term partner GH Holding, d.o.o. Ljubljana, been awarded a contract to enhance capacity on a key line on Slovenia’s rail network with ETCS. By installing its European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 trackside solution on an additional 27 km stretch of line, and updating the existing electronic interlocking system and the Centralized Traffic Control (CTC), a greater number of trains will be able to run safely on the new dual line.
The existing 50 km line between Koper and Divača is a crucial part of Slovenia’s primary railway network, linking Koper’s port in the west with Hungary in the east as part of the railway Corridor D. As Koper port is a vital hub, particularly for the automotive industry towards Hungary, upgrading the route from a single to a double track will greatly enhance the line’s capacity, significantly increasing the share of freight transport by rail. Passengers will also benefit from more reliable and frequent train services, enhancing their overall experience.
Hitachi Rail has already equipped the existing single-track line between Koper and Divača with ETCS Level 1 trackside solutions, electronic interlocking solutions including a CTC and a modern dispatching system, called ARAMIS Module D, with the project completed in 2015. In collaboration with its longstanding local construction partner, GH Holding, d.o.o. Ljubljana, Hitachi Rail will now work on upgrading the line’s rail signalling on behalf of project development company 2TDK d.o.o.
Hitachi Rail has a history of pioneering digital signalling in Slovenia, being the first to implement ETCS in the country in 2012. Across a series of projects, the entire Slovenian part of Corridor D, incorporating more than 300 km of track length, has been equipped with ETCS Level 1 trackside solutions by Hitachi Rail. The latest project, which is currently being finalised, also contains a service level agreement securing the high-quality maintenance of the installed system for up to 20 years.
After completion of this project, ETCS Level 1 will be implemented on the complete Slovenian part of the European TEN-T rail network by Hitachi Rail in cooperation with GH Holding d.o.o Ljubljana. In addition to ETCS, Hitachi Rail’s point machines, axle counters and signals enhance parts of the Slovenian rail infrastructure.
“We are delighted to continue to contribute to the modernisation of Slovenia’s primary rail routes. Our modern, digital signalling on the second track will help to eliminate bottlenecks on this essential rail connection, enhancing seamless and sustainable transportation for both passengers and freight,” Hannes BOYER, VP Main Line Signalling, Hitachi Rail, said.
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