THALES
As a part of the initial “Digital railways Germany” package, Deutsche Bahn is equipping the Stuttgart region with a digital signalling system (DSTW*), the European Train Control System (ETCS*) and Automatic Train Operations (ATO*) with driver. The tender covering the implementation of modules 1 and 2 of the “Digital node Stuttgart” project until the end of 2025 was won by Thales at the end of November 2020. The contract with a value of approximately 127 million euros covers the installation of the digital signalling system, the installation of ETCS, preliminary work for the implementation of the track-side automatic operations and the Capacity & Traffic Management System (CTMS*), a modern technology and operating site, in excess of 6,000 electronic kilometre markers (balises), more than 1,300 axle counting points and approximately 650 point machines.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210215005014/en/
This project “Digital node Stuttgart” lead by Thales is part of the “Digital railways Germany” program, which will add up to 20% extra capacity to the rail network.
It includes an important innovation partnership for Thales Germany with the customer, Deutsche Bahn, concerning the development and co-design of new, leading-edge technologies for the roll-out of the “Digital Railways Germany” initiative.
“The first digital node in Germany is going to be the reference point for other metropolitan regions throughout Europe for years to come. Together with Deutsche Bahn AG, DB Netz AG, DB Projekt Stuttgart-Ulm GmbH and all project participants we are pleased to help design the blueprint for future digitizing projects”, explained Oliver Dörre, Chief Executive Officer and Country Director Thales Deutschland. “We meet all the conditions to successfully implement this large project. We are very familiar with the node Stuttgart from earlier projects and now look forward to actively cooperating with our customer at the highest level of technology in the improvement of the offering for rail passengers”, Dörre continued. “Our employees are, of course, highly motivated by this project and proud to be able to contribute to “their” station.”
From 2025, the trains of the long distance, regional and S-Bahn traffic in the node Stuttgart will travel on a network equipped with the latest digital technology. In addition to the new main station and other stations, tracks with a scope of more than 100 kilometers are the first to be equipped with digital signalling technology, the train control system ETCS and highly automated operations. Stuttgart is thus the origin and blueprint of digitizing the entire German rail network, scheduled to be completed almost in its entirety by 2035.
For the development of the S-Bahn, the “Digital node Stuttgart” project is also an important step into the future. On the main S-Bahn route, Germany’s most modern signalling system will in future control the shortest ever implemented block sections of only 30 meters in length. S-Bahn trains will therefore travel in closer succession than anywhere in Germany so far. This not only reduces and better eliminates delays but also allows many more trains to travel than today – safely and without having to build a single meter of additional tracks.
Note to the editors:
*Digital signalling systems
The basis for digitization is digital signalling systems (DSTW). Using encrypted data links, a highly secure computer system connects to peripheral elements, such as sensors or points. Like every modern signalling system, a DSTW ensures in particular that trains only enter empty track sections and points are closed in the correct position. Unlike the hitherto common electronic signalling systems (ESTW), the DSTW separates energy supply and data. Using glass fibres, almost any distances between the core of the signalling system and the peripheral elements can be implemented. In Stuttgart, a DSTW controlling more than 100 track kilometers is initially being created. This includes three of the 21 electronic signalling systems planned as part of Stuttgart 21 and other legacy signalling systems. Electronic or digital signalling systems are the basis for ETCS Level 2.
*European Train Control System (ETCS)
The European Train Control System (ETCS) is a success story. Designed during the 1990’s as a uniform “signalling system” for cross-border European traffic, it is now used worldwide. In the “Digital node Stuttgart“, it is initially used in its Level 2 form. The train and track continuously exchange data via an encrypted radio link. At yellow Eurobalises – a kind of electronic kilometer marker on the track – the trains determine their precise location at regular intervals. Using distance and speed sensors, including wheel revolution counters and radar, the vehicle continuously measures the path travelled and its speed. Together with the data transmitted by the track, including the clear track ahead of the train, the ETCS on-board computer continuously calculates e.g. the clear path ahead of the train and the permissible speed. Unlike conventional old signalling technology, where light points at signals transmit comparatively simple information about a maximum of two sections ahead of the train in a system comparable to a traffic light, the driver is given a much more precise and continuously updated picture with ETCS Level 2. Whereas with conventional control and safety technology such a section is typically at least one kilometer long, it can be reduced to any length with ETCS.
*Automatic Train Operation with driver (ATO GoA 2)
Automatic Train Operation (ATO) will in future be used in the Digital node Stuttgart with a Grade of Automation of 2 (GoA 2). The system works as a kind of remote-controlled cruise control, with the track telling the train when it should be at which location. The vehicle device controls the speed accordingly. In case of delays, the highest permissible speed is applied, and during operations on schedule, the speed that conserves most energy. At platforms, ATO permits a highly precise stop. The driver is on board, monitors the journey and can intervene at any time. Based on ETCS, ATO facilitates high precision journeys. This avoids delays and reduces the distance between two trains.
*Capacity and Traffic Management System (CTMS)
The Capacity and Traffic Management System (CTMS) is a central component of future rail operations and is intended to facilitate better utilisation of existing infrastructure through, for example, automatic acceleration and braking operations. This leads to increased capacity and better operating quality. With the current development, the CTMS is based on the latest algorithms in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Operations Research (OR).
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global high technology leader investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations –connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum technology – to build a future we can all trust, which is vital to the development of our societies. The company provides solutions, services and products that help its customers –businesses, organisations and states – in the defence, aeronautics, space, transportation and digital identity and security markets to fulfil their critical missions, by placing humans at the heart of the decision-making process.
With 83,000 employees in 68 countries, Thales generated sales of €19 billion in 2019 (on a basis including Gemalto over 12 months).
PLEASE VISIT
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210215005014/en/
Link:
About Business Wire
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
EUMETSAT: Europe’s First Geostationary Sounder Satellite Is Launched2.7.2025 13:20:00 CEST | Press release
Europe has taken a major step forward in strengthening its resilience to extreme weather events with the successful launch of the Meteosat Third Generation Sounder 1 (MTG-S1) satellite. MTG-S1 will deliver new streams of atmospheric data, enabling earlier, more accurate warnings that protect lives, property and infrastructure. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250702002782/en/ MTG-S1 is part of the Meteosat Third Generation programme, Europe’s new fleet of geostationary meteorological satellites. Image: EUMETSAT Extreme weather events like storms, flooding, and heatwaves have caused hundreds of billions of euros in damage and claimed tens of thousands of lives across Europe in the past decades. Launched on 1 July 2025, MTG-S1 will provide Europe’s national meteorological services with high-frequency data on temperature, humidity and trace gases throughout the atmosphere – enabling forecasters to detect the earli
HCLTech and Equinor Expand Digital Collaboration2.7.2025 13:08:00 CEST | Press release
HCLTech, a global technology leader, and Equinor, Europe's largest energy supplier and a pioneer in renewables and low-carbon solutions, have expanded their IT collaboration to support the next phase of Equinor’s digital transformation. This expanded relationship will cover Equinor’s IT landscape across several key strategic areas. HCLTech will support Equinor as it accelerates its digital transformation by: Accelerating its cloud migration and standardizing services across operations Enhancing its cyber resilience and network performance Improving workplace experience through automation Enabling advanced user experiences with technologies like augmented reality (AR) "We’re pleased to continue our long-standing collaboration with Equinor," said Sandeep Kumar Saxena, Executive Vice President, HCLTech. "This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to innovation and sustainability.” Over the past decade, HCLTech has been a trusted advisor to Equinor, supporting the company’s global e
Wizz Air Tops Major Airline Emissions Rankings2.7.2025 11:00:00 CEST | Press release
Cirium, the aviation analytics company, creates a new transparent standard and ranking for airline CO2 emissions, identifying the best performing airlines in specific categories Wizz Air is the world's most emissions-efficient airline in new rankings released today by Cirium, the aviation analytics firm. The Cirium Flight Emissions Review ranks the top 20 airlines globally, through a consistent benchmark for flight emissions. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250702342529/en/ The top 20 Major airlines globally, ranked by lowest CO2/ASK Wizz Air, the Hungary-based ultra-low-cost airline emits an industry low of 53.9 grams of CO₂ per Available Seat Kilometer (ASK)*, followed by Frontier Airlines (54.4 grams) and Pegasus (57.1 grams) according to the report. The rankings provide the aviation industry with verified comparable data on an equal playing field as the sector advances toward Net Zero by 2050 commitments.
L&T Technology Services Chosen by TRATON GROUP as Strategic Engineering Partner in Global R&D Transformation2.7.2025 10:59:00 CEST | Press release
Multi-year collaboration in LTTS’ Mobility segment to drive platform synergies, electrification, and innovation for TRATON GROUP L&T Technology Services (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS), today announced that it has been chosen by the TRATON GROUP, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of commercial vehicles, as a strategic engineering partner. This collaboration in LTTS’ Mobility segment will support TRATON’s roadmap to build a unified, future-ready product-development platform that delivers scale, speed, and sustainable mobility solutions worldwide. TRATON is reshaping its global R&D ecosystem to unlock cross-brand synergies while expanding the share of battery-electric vehicles in line with its 2029 profitability and sustainability targets. LTTS’ selection will see the company provide engineering support, from mechanical and software engineering to digital systems integration - across key development hubs in Sweden, Germany, the United States, Poland, and India. The collaboration position
Nexo Becomes First-Ever Digital Wealth Platform of the DP World Tour, Launches Nexo Championship2.7.2025 10:30:00 CEST | Press release
Named Official Digital Wealth Platform of the DP World Tour through 2027 Nexo becomes Title Partner of the Nexo Championship, which takes place at Trump International Golf Links in August 2025 Nexo, the premier digital assets wealth platform, has signed a three-year landmark partnership with the DP World Tour, becoming an Official Marketing Partner and the Tour’s Official Digital Wealth Platform through 2027. This agreement marks the first-ever multi-year partnership between a digital assets company and a major global golf tour — a historic convergence of crypto and golf — reflecting both organizations’ shared commitment to performance, innovation, and a global outlook. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250702770847/en/ Nexo becomes the first-ever Official Digital Wealth Platform of the DP World Tour. Nexo has also become the Title Partner of the newly renamed Nexo Championship — previously the Scottish Champion
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom