Siemens Mobility and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) have concluded a long-term framework agreement for the comprehensive digitalisation of Switzerland’s signalling infrastructure. The partnership covers the installation of Siemens’ Trackguard Westrace MK2 digital interlockings and the Signaling X platform, which together will form the technological backbone of SBB’s future train control system.
The framework contract includes the delivery of up to 500 digital interlockings and a 25-year maintenance period, representing one of the most significant signalling programmes in Europe. Implementation will begin with selected pilot routes before scaling nationwide.
The new systems will replace aging infrastructure with modular, software-based technology designed for interoperability and future European Train Control System (ETCS) integration. By introducing remote diagnostics, standardised interfaces and enhanced cybersecurity, the project will improve capacity, reliability, and reduce life-cycle costs.
Siemens Mobility CEO Michael Peter described the partnership as a “milestone in Europe’s digital rail transformation,” emphasising that it will help ensure safer and more sustainable operations for decades.
SBB’s Head of Infrastructure Projects, Christoph Bütikofer, highlighted that the rollout is key to the company’s long-term strategy: "Digital interlockings are a central component of our SmartRail 4.0 programme, enabling more trains on the same network and higher punctuality for passengers."
The programme marks another step in Switzerland’s SmartRail 4.0 initiative, which aims to fully digitalise train control, capacity management and operational planning by the mid-2030s.
