SBB moves toward next‑generation digital train control

Swiss Federal Railways is advancing preparations for a new generation of digital train control systems, positioning Switzerland’s busy rail network for higher capacity, improved reliability and closer integration with European standards.

A nationwide shift to digital signalling

Publicly available information shows that SBB is in the midst of a long-term program to replace conventional lineside signalling with advanced in-cab systems based on the European Train Control System. The move is intended to make better use of existing tracks by allowing trains to run closer together while maintaining strict safety margins.

According to published coverage of Switzerland’s ERTMS strategy, the country has opted for a broad, network-wide migration toward ETCS Level 2, complemented later by additional digital functions. This approach replaces legacy interlockings and signal technology in larger blocks rather than only renewing equipment at the end of its life, an option that studies indicated would have stretched upgrades toward mid-century.

Information from rail industry sources indicates that the goal is to complete much of the core migration during the 2030s. By standardizing on a modern digital control platform, SBB expects to gain capacity on key routes, accommodate growing passenger and freight demand, and support tighter timetables on heavily used corridors.

The initiative forms part of a broader European trend in which major rail operators are introducing digital control and signalling to increase throughput on existing infrastructure. Similar ETCS expansion programs in neighbouring countries are cited by analysts as reference projects that illustrate the scale and sequencing challenges SBB now faces.

Framework contracts and new digital interlockings

One of the clearest signs that SBB is preparing for the next stage of digital control is a framework agreement signed with Hitachi Rail in late 2025 for the delivery of advanced digital signalling technology across the Swiss network. Company statements describe the deal as part of a wider program valued at around 1.5 billion euros, under which Hitachi will supply a new generation of digital interlockings and radio block centres.

Interlockings are the core safety systems that prevent conflicting train movements over points and crossings. In the new architecture, these interlockings are complemented by radio block centres that manage train movements using continuous communication rather than fixed blocks defined solely by track circuits and signals. Industry material notes that these components are essential to implementing nationwide cab signalling and more dynamic traffic management.

Further reports indicate that SBB has also awarded framework contracts to other suppliers, including Stadler and Siemens, to diversify its technology base and anchor it in European interface standards. Reference material on the European EULYNX initiative lists SBB among the infrastructure managers that are aligning their next generation of digital interlockings with common specifications to support future interoperability and reduce lifecycle costs.

By bundling procurement in this way, SBB aims to standardize equipment, simplify maintenance and ensure long-term availability of components. At the same time, the operator retains flexibility to phase installations across regions and lines, adapting to construction windows, funding cycles and evolving operational priorities.

Upgrading vehicles and radio systems

Preparing a new generation of digital train control systems also requires extensive modifications to SBB’s rolling stock. A recent Swiss tender notice outlines plans to replace ageing onboard ETCS equipment and train radio systems in segments of the intercity and interregional fleet, including locomotives and driving trailers used on long-distance services.

The documentation notes that existing onboard systems are reaching the end of their service life and are no longer aligned with current ETCS baselines. In parallel, the European railway sector is preparing to phase out GSM-R, the long-standing digital radio standard for rail, in favour of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System based on modern mobile technology. For SBB, this means that onboard upgrade packages will need to accommodate both new ETCS software versions and the transition to next-generation radio.

Material presented at a 2026 European railway conference by SBB representatives indicates that the operator is already well into the migration process for vehicles. The plan foresees a gradual rollout of upgraded ETCS and communications equipment across passenger and freight fleets, aiming to maintain compatibility with existing infrastructure while enabling the full benefits of the new digital control landscape as more lines are converted.

These technical changes are complex, because fleets must continue to operate reliably during the transition between generations of signalling and radio. Planning documents emphasize staged retrofitting, validation and testing to ensure that new onboard equipment functions seamlessly across different network segments and neighbouring rail systems.

From signalling to fully digital operations

SBB’s digital train control initiative is only one pillar of a broader push toward end-to-end digitalization of its rail operations. Strategy papers and research collaborations linked to the company highlight work on traffic management systems, automatic train operation and real-time optimization tools that are designed to complement ETCS-based signalling.

Studies conducted with academic partners such as ETH Zurich describe how digital control and automation can increase capacity not only through closer train headways but also via more efficient timetabling and conflict resolution. Real-time traffic management platforms, supported by accurate train position data from ETCS, are expected to help dispatchers respond faster to disruptions and recover schedules more effectively.

In freight, SBB Cargo is pursuing digital projects that intersect with the new control systems, including automated brake tests and digital interfaces that provide locomotive crews with real-time information on train readiness. Publicly available descriptions of these initiatives point to a gradual move toward more automated and data-driven goods operations, building on the underlying capacity and reliability gains from digital signalling.

Within infrastructure projects, SBB is rolling out building information modelling methods to support planning and construction of new assets, including signalling equipment rooms and substations. Corporate material indicates that this approach aims to create a consistent digital twin of infrastructure, making it easier to coordinate upgrades and integrate the many components of the future control ecosystem.

Timelines, challenges and regional implications

Although the overall direction toward next-generation digital train control is clear, available documentation shows that SBB’s timeline stretches over more than a decade and is closely linked to European deployment plans. Switzerland’s early adoption of ETCS means that parts of the network already use digital control, but harmonizing software baselines, replacing legacy sections and integrating new radio technologies represent significant additional steps.

Analysts note that a major challenge will be handling construction and commissioning work on one of the world’s most intensively used passenger networks while keeping services running. Staged cutovers of interlockings and radio block centres, temporary interfaces between old and new systems, and cross-border coordination with neighbouring infrastructure managers are all identified as areas requiring careful planning.

Rail industry commentary suggests that, once complete, the new digital control landscape could deliver notably higher capacity on key Swiss corridors, especially in and around major hubs and along north–south transit routes. Enhanced reliability and more precise information for drivers and traffic managers are also expected to reduce delays and improve punctuality, a key performance metric for SBB.

For travellers, many of these changes will remain largely invisible, occurring in the background of everyday rail use. Over time, however, the impact may be felt in the form of more frequent services on busy routes, smoother connections and better resilience when incidents occur, all underpinned by a quietly transforming digital nervous system beneath the rails.