More stable, more powerful, future-ready: Hitachi Rail modernises signalling systems on the Hamburg–Berlin line

With the reopening of the Hamburg–Berlin line last Sunday, one of Germany’s most important rail connections has gained significantly in performance and reliability. The comprehensive modernisation strengthens a key corridor for both passenger and freight transport – and with it, the competitiveness of rail in both a national and European context.

As a technology partner to DB InfraGO AG, Hitachi Rail contributed to creating the key conditions for reliable and high-performance railway operations. The focus was on the complete renewal of the signalling and train control systems along the approximately 200-kilometre section between Paulinenaue and Schwanheide.

Establishing the foundation for stable rail operations

The modernisation brought nearly the entire signalling and train control system up to the latest technological standard. The upgraded systems enable more precise control of train movements along this highly utilised high-performance corridor and contribute to a more stable and robust overall operation. This establishes the technical foundation to reliably manage high traffic volumes over the long term.

Reliable delivery in one of Europe’s most demanding railway markets

The modernisation of key corridors places high demands on planning, execution and integration into existing operational processes. With the Hamburg–Berlin project, Hitachi Rail underscores its role as a reliable partner for upgrading complex railway infrastructure in Germany.

What proved critical was not only the technology itself, but its successful implementation within one of Germany’s central transport corridors – delivered in close coordination with the client and all project stakeholders.

Contributing to the long-term strengthening of rail transport

The Hamburg–Berlin corridor upgrade is part of Germany’s nationwide programme to renew high-performance rail corridors, as well as the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The objective is to sustainably increase capacity on key routes and strengthen rail as the backbone of climate-friendly mobility.

With solutions such as the ESTW L90 system on a modern hardware platform, Hitachi Rail is helping to prepare infrastructure for future requirements.

“The modernization of the Hamburg–Berlin line shows how complex the comprehensive renewal of existing infrastructure is in an operational rail environment—especially when many core systems are being worked on at the same time. What really matters is that all parties involved work closely and effectively together,” says André Fritzsche, Project Manager at Hitachi Rail in Germany.