Upgrade of power supply for the line between Bitterfeld and Halle completed
As part of the Leipzig/Halle – Berlin (VDE 8.3) project, the power supply for the interlocking technology in Bitterfeld was completely modernized and expanded in terms of capacity. The background to this is the increasing power requirements due to the future ETCS expansion and new systems, such as axle counters. The new systems were successfully commissioned during the night of October 13, 2025. DB InfraGO AG has thus laid the foundation for reliable and future-proof control and safety technology (LST) as part of Digitale Schiene Deutschland.
The power supply for the line between Bitterfeld and Halle has been upgraded: DB InfraGO AG has completely modernized the power supply for the interlocking technology. The existing power supply systems in the Bitterfeld substation were completely replaced and their capacity expanded. A sub-control center is the link between the operations control center and the technical modules of a interlocking.
It processes control commands from the operations control center – for example, for setting routes or switching signals – and forwards them to the technical modules along the line. These in turn execute the commands on the line, for example at points, signals, or axle counters. A reliable power supply is crucial here, as it forms the basis for communication between the operations control center, the sub-control center, and the technical modules.
Construction process and milestones
The work took place from September 29, 2025, to October 15, 2025. The main conversion work was carried out during a total closure from October 10 to October 13, 2025, and was completed with commissioning on the night of October 13, 2025. Work outside the total closure was carried out during normal operations. This meant that there were no significant restrictions to train services during this period.
The signal box battery, which ensures an uninterrupted power supply to the LST systems in the event of power failures, will then be replaced by mid-November. After that, the power supply to the sub-control center will meet the requirements of the currently valid regulations and will be prepared for connection to the ETCS control center in the future.
Technology, teamwork, and a little bit of luck
The most exciting moments during the total shutdown last weekend were the gradual shutdown and restart of the ( interlocking ) systems before and after the construction work. How would components and entire systems that had been running continuously for 25 years react? Which ones would start up again immediately, which ones might need a second or third restart – and which components would not work as planned in the new system and would need to be replaced?
This is where the strength of the team came to the fore: precise preparation, technical know-how and – with a wink – the necessary bit of luck. The right replacement part was available for every component that failed, in some cases the last of its kind.
Other measures related to projects carried out during the total closure at Bitterfeld station and along the line also went according to plan.
Ultimately, thanks to the professional and dedicated efforts of everyone involved, rail operations were able to resume on time.
Added value for railway operations
With the new power supply, the Bitterfeld sub-control center is now ready for the future installation of the ETCS train control system. The modernization makes an important contribution to the stability and future viability of the infrastructure on the Berlin – Leipzig/Halle – Munich high-speed line.
