{"id":330180,"date":"2025-12-15T19:20:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T09:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.railfreight.com\/?p=68068"},"modified":"2025-12-15T19:20:00","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T09:20:00","slug":"belgium-announces-full-etcs-deployment-across-the-entire-rail-network","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=330180","title":{"rendered":"Belgium announces full ETCS deployment across the entire rail network"},"content":{"rendered":"

Belgium has achieved a major milestone in the modernisation of its rail network. Infrastructure manager Infrabel and the consortium consisting of Siemens Mobility and Equans have announced network-wide implementation of ETCS.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/span>The European Train Control System<\/strong> (ETCS) is a train protection system intended to replace the various incompatible systems currently used by the various European rail networks. It functions as the signalling and control component within the overarching European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS).<\/p>\n

ETCS is composed of two primary elements: Trackside<\/strong> equipment and on-board<\/strong> equipment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The entire Belgian rail network of 6,400 kilometres is now covered by ETCS, according to the Chief Operating Officer of Infrabel, Jochen Bultinck. The COO adds that 92% of each driven train-kilometre is currently covered by the system.<\/p>\n

The ETCS implementation project started in 2015, and was completed exactly a decade later. Of the 6,400 kilometres of the Belgian rail network, the project saw 2,274 kilometres upgraded to ETCS level 2.
\nSiemens Mobility explains that the project delivered significant improvements in operational efficiency and seamless cross-border train operations thanks to the integration of advanced interlockings and by enabling continuous digital communication.<\/p>\n