Coupling Route Successfully Tested at the Digital Rail Testbed
The digitalisation of railway operations is opening up new possibilities for making operational processes more efficient. One example is the so‑called coupling route, a new type of route for train formation (coupling) under ETCS. The procedure has now been successfully tested under real operating conditions at the Digital Rail Testbed (DTB) in the Ore Mountains. The results show that the coupling route is technically feasible, operationally viable in practice, and offers potential for a more capable and efficient railway system.
Until now, train strengthening has been carried out with the aid of train protection signals and an additional stop for the following train. With the coupling route, ETCS makes significantly better use of its capabilities for precise movement and speed supervision. The following train can enter an already partially occupied track at speeds of up to 40 km/h and proceed to the coupling point without an additional intermediate stop. This makes it possible to dispense with lineside colour-light signals and to simplify operational processes.
In order to comprehensively assess the new procedure, a test campaign was conducted at the Digital Rail Testbed in spring 2025. Together with partners from infrastructure management, operations and industry, the technical prerequisites were established and several test runs under ETCS conditions were carried out. The focus was on usability for train drivers, compliance with operational rules, and the safe execution of the coupling process.
The field tests confirmed that the coupling route can be applied safely even under poor visibility conditions. Remaining operational issues were resolved and existing concerns eliminated. This provides important evidence of the practical suitability of the new function.
The successful trial at the Digital Rail Testbed demonstrates how ETCS can help to further simplify operational processes and increase the capacity and performance of the railway system. The coupling route is an example of how digital technologies can create new opportunities for more efficient and at the same time safe railway operations.
Those wishing to explore the topic in greater depth can find technical background information, details of the test environment, and the specific results of the field tests in a comprehensive specialist article in the May issue of the journal Signal & Draht:
Operational validation of the coupling route at the Digital Rail Testbed (SIGNAL+DRAHT, 05/2026).
