Hitachi Rail to digitise Infranord’s yellow maintenance trains with on-board signalling system
Hitachi Rail has signed a contract to install new digital signalling technologies on board two yellow maintenance trains operated by Swedish rail maintenance company Infranord. The digitisation of these vehicles will help Infranord to better maintain rail infrastructure across the region.
The trains, referred to as “Tb locos”, are used to safely and reliably maintain the rail network regardless of the challenging winter weather conditions.
Hitachi Rail will design, build, install, test and commission the on-board signalling system based on ERTMS* technology (European Railway Transport System) and STM-ATC2** (system to circulate on conventional lines).
The combination of ERTMS and STM-ATC2 technologies will allow Infranord’s critical maintenance activity to take place on both upgraded and conventional parts of the railway, an important capability as Sweden continues to roll out its wider digitisation programme across the country.
Whilst these technologies are more common on passenger and freight rolling stock, using the technology on maintenance trains represents an innovative step for both Infranord and Hitachi Rail.
Eric Morand, VP Nordics Hitachi Rail, says: “We are delighted to be supporting Infranord in the transition towards digitisation of its yellow maintenance trains in Scandinavia, with our on-board signalling systems. These technologies are more commonly used on passenger and freight rolling stock; using the technology on maintenance trains represents an innovative step for both Infranord and Hitachi Rail.
“This new partnership is a real opportunity for Hitachi Rail to support Infranord with higher standards of quality, safety and reliability for their customers in the region.“
