Successful start for ETCS on the Rhine
On 14 December 2025, DB InfraGO AG reached an important milestone as part of the ‘Digitalen Schiene Deutschland’ initiative: the European train control system ETCS Level 2 was successfully put into operation on approximately 55 kilometres of track between Niederlahnstein (Rhineland-Palatinate) and Assmannshausen (Hesse). This marks the second time that Hitachi's modern ETCS technology has been used in the project corridor Rhine-Alpine, following its successful commissioning on the Rheintalbahn in south-west Germany in August this year. This section is part of the 180-kilometre route from Troisdorf to Wiesbaden, which is to be fully equipped with ETCS by the end of 2027.
The ETCS equipment was implemented as part of the project corridor Rhine-Alpine, which is equipping a total of around 1,360 kilometres of track between Oberhausen-Sterkrade and Haltingen near Basel with ETCS and modern interlocking technology. Part of this corridor runs between Troisdorf and Wiesbaden along the right bank of the Rhine and is to be fully equipped with ETCS by 2027. The 55 kilometres now in operation mark the first section of this subsection and, at the same time, an important milestone for the further equipping of the entire corridor.
‘The commissioning of ETCS in the central Rhine Valley is a great success. We are proud that everything went smoothly and according to plan. Now it's time to roll up our sleeves and get started on the next steps.’
Klaus Müller
Member of the Management Board for "Digital Infrastructure and Communication Technology" at DB InfraGO AG
The successful commissioning is the result of extensive technical adjustments along the route. Among other things, the project team of the corridor Rhine-Alpine upgraded five interlockings between Niederlahnstein and Assmannshausen to make them compatible with ETCS. As part of this, the train control operators' workstations were also modernised and technically adapted for ETCS use. Eurobalises were installed along the route to transmit route information, and telecommunications were expanded to ensure reliable voice and data communication (GSM-R). The new ETCS route control centre, known as the Radio Block Centre (RBC), was built in Oberlahnstein. The RBC was successfully integrated into the upgraded control and safety technology. In order to be optimally prepared for the new technology and to continue to ensure a high level of safety in railway operations, employees from operations and maintenance received appropriate training.
‘The entire project team demonstrated great commitment and expertise to ensure that the transition to ETCS went smoothly. I would like to thank everyone for their outstanding work.’
Markus Ortmann
Head of LST Realisation at DB InfraGO AG
ETCS will remain in use until the start of the comprehensive renovation of the right bank of the Rhine in summer 2026. During this phase, DB InfraGO AG and the railway undertakings operating on this section will gain valuable practical experience with ETCS. The insights gained will be directly incorporated into the railway undertakings ETCS training programmes, the further development of the product and day-to-day operations management.
When the general renovation of the right bank of the Rhine begins in summer 2026, ETCS will be temporarily taken out of service so that the extensive renovation work can be carried out efficiently. As part of the general renovation, ETCS will be gradually reinstalled and further expanded along the entire route. Full commissioning of the entire 180 kilometres between Troisdorf and Wiesbaden is scheduled for the end of 2027.
‘This second commissioning of an ETCS Level 2 line in the project corridor Rhine-Alpine within a year shows that the technical requirements for equipping heavily used lines with ETCS are now in place.’
Ulrich Kohlenberger
Head of Technology for the major project Corridor Rhine-Alpine at DB InfraGO AG
The ETCS equipment that has now been put into operation has laid the foundation for further expansion stages. The ETCS technology from manufacturer Hitachi can now prove itself in operation. In the future, it can thus serve as the cornerstone for further projects to equip the German rail network with ETCS and modern interlocking systems.
Get an impression of the right bank of the Rhine with the following video.
