Hitachi Rail Completes ETCS Installation on Hungarian Freight Corridor

Hitachi Rail has completed the installation if ETCS signalling technology on the 110km railway line between Szajol and Debrecen in Hungary.

This line is a key route in Hungary’s transport network, connecting the capital Budapest to Debrecen. It is also an important corridor towards Romania and Ukraine.

Debrecen is a regional centre for large international companies, including BMW. Consequently, it relies on efficient rail freight to support those manufacturing activities. By strengthening this important route, it solidifies Hungary’s position as a logistics hub and boosts regional economies along the way.

The already well-developed Szajol-Debrecen line is made up of electrified double tracks and serves eight stations with more than 250 points and electronic interlockings from Hitachi Rail. Thanks to the installation of Hitachi’s ETCS digital signalling technology, the line’s capacity has been optimised, allowing maximum train speeds to increase from 120km/h to 160km/h.

As part of the installation process, in which Hitachi Rail fitted its ETCS Level 1 system from Ebes to Debrecen and its Level 2 system from Ebes to Szajol, Hitachi had to integrate its system with the existing signalling system. It also had to prepare safety measures and obtain the necessary regulatory approvals.

Hitachi Rail also fitted its technology to couple multiple lineside electronic units (LEUs) to make sure the Level 1 system could perform almost as efficiently as its Level 2 system. The LEUs enhance drivers’ visibility and awareness of upcoming movement authorities.

Remote diagnosis capabilities for the LEUs permit early conflict detection and resolution.

Rail operations on the Szajol-Debrecen section are managed remotely via a Hitachi Rail centralised traffic control (CTC) centre in Püspökladány.

Hitachi Rail has previously fitted its ETCS Level 2 system on the section from Ferencváros in the south of Budapest to Monor in 2023.

György Mikics, Managing Director, Hitachi Rail in Hungary, said:

With this latest ETCS installation on the Szajol-Debrecen route, we are further enhancing international rail connectivity and contributing to the growth of regional economies. Our ETCS system ensures that the route meets the demands of international freight transport while positioning Hungary as a vital link in the Trans-European rail network.