Digitalisation of the Riesbahn: First call-off from the framework volume contract in Bavaria brings modern signalling technology to Bavarian Swabia
Digitale Schiene Deutschland is pushing ahead with the modernisation of regional railway lines in Bavaria at full speed. On the Riesbahn between Nördlingen and Donauwörth, as well as on the line from Augsburg and Donauwörth, DB InfraGO will replace a total of six legacy signal boxes with modern digital signalling technology. In addition, the line section will be equipped with the Europe-wide train control system ETCS. This digitalisation boost is made possible by the first call-off under the so-called “Volumenvertrag” (volume contract) with the contractual partner Hitachi Rail – an important milestone for rail transport in Bavaria and the Swabian region.
Following the call-off from the volume contract for the digitalisation of signalling and train control technology in Bavaria, the project to modernise signalling between Nördlingen, Donauwörth and Augsburg can now begin. At the core of the project is the replacement of six outdated signal boxes – some of them still mechanical installations dating back to the 1950s – with modern digital technology. In the first construction phase alone, the three legacy signal boxes in Wörnitzstein, Harburg (Swabia) and Möttingen on the 26-kilometre section between Donauwörth and Nördlingen will be replaced by the end of the 2020s. Modern signalling technology will ensure more reliable railway operations in the long term, improved punctuality, fewer disruptions and easier maintenance. At the same time, the line will be equipped with the modern and Europe-wide train control system ETCS. DB InfraGO has commissioned Hitachi Rail to carry out the planning and implementation of the project.
Accelerated implementation thanks to the volume contract and political backing
Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027. The accelerated implementation of the project is made possible by the volume contract between Deutsche Bahn and the rail industry, which is being applied in Bavaria for the first time. Under this contract, DB commits to procuring a defined volume of services and products for digital signalling and train control technology. In return, the contractual partners are obliged to deliver the agreed services and products on schedule and in the agreed quantities. Thanks to the long-term planning certainty and binding procurement volumes, the volume contract enables faster implementation of digitalisation projects by simplifying and shortening coordination and procurement processes.
The volume contract, established at the end of 2024, covers services worth €6.3 billion, which DB plans to call off by 2028, while the contractual partners are expected to deliver the services and products by 2032. In addition to Hitachi Rail, the contractual partners include MerMec Deutschland GmbH, Alstom, and a consortium consisting of Siemens Mobility and Leonhard Weiss.
“For the first time, an order for digitalisation under the volume contract has been awarded to Hitachi Rail. This contract enables us to accelerate the digitalisation of our infrastructure. By modernising the Riesbahn infrastructure, we are also advancing the digitalisation of regional commuter lines,” said Dr Philipp Nagl, CEO of DB InfraGO AG.
The project also enjoys political support: “It is important that we continue to gain momentum in the digitalisation of railways. I am pleased that we are advancing this important project here in Bavaria,” emphasised Ulrich Lange, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Digital and Transport.
Further line sections in Bavaria are also expected to be equipped with modern signalling technology under the volume contract in the future, helping to significantly advance the digitalisation of the railway network.
You can find the official press release here.
