Projects & studies ERTMS ETCS/GSM-R

Five different signalling systems are currently in use along Corridor C. By 2018, the entire Corridor C should be equipped with the ERTMS system. This will be done in a step-by-step process and one route section at a time.

Two components

Thanks to ERTMS, railway signalling is entering the digital era. The system consists of two components: GSM-R and ETCS.

• GSM-R is an international digital communication system specifically intended for the railways. It enables the exchange of information between the fixed installation at the station and the train. GMS-R guarantees a reliable reception anywhere, any time.
• ETCS (European Train Control System) is a European railway traffic control system. It transmits information about allowed speed limits to the train driver and constantly checks if these limits are being adhered to.

Implementation in Corridor C

The infrastructure of the Corridor uses version 2.3.0d of the ERTMS specifications, both for the railway infrastructure and for the trains. The European Commission has recognised this version as the only legal version in April 2008.

Various working groups consisting of representatives from both infrastructure managers and railway companies are currently preparing the harmonisation of several technical aspects. The ultimate goal being to realise a workable and efficient interoperability on the Corridor C.

The schedule below shows the planned migration to ETCS version 2.3.0d.