Deutsche Bahn signs €6.3 billion digital railway contracts

Deutsche Bahn (DB) has finalized a landmark €6.3 billion contract with four suppliers to enhance Germany's railway infrastructure through the implementation of digital control and safety technology, including the European Train Control System (ETCS) and integrated operating systems. The agreement, which guarantees the procurement of approximately 15,500 control units by the end of 2028, aims to simplify the procurement process by eliminating the need for multiple individual contracts. Key players involved include Siemens Mobility, Alstom, Hitachi Rail, and MerMec Deutschland, reflecting a collaborative approach to tackling the modernization of the rail network. Berthold Huber, a DB board member, highlighted that the new framework will significantly accelerate project timelines, reducing implementation from an average of eight years. The initiative is anticipated to not only improve operational efficiency but also address the outdated signalling technology currently in use. The German Railway Industry Association (VDB) acknowledged the agreement as a crucial step towards revitalizing the rail infrastructure, which has been plagued by delays and cancellations.