Hitachi Rail has unveiled an innovative testing solution that promises to revolutionize the implementation of digital signalling systems. The new solution, “Over and Back," allows seamless switching between existing interlocking systems and the new European Train Control System (ETCS) digital signalling. This breakthrough technology, piloted during the delivery of South-East Queensland's Cross River Rail project, has the potential to transform testing processes in railway signalling projects not only in Australia but around the world.
The "Over and Back" solution developed by Hitachi Rail addresses a major challenge in testing railway signalling systems. Traditionally, switching between systems for testing purposes could be a time-consuming and labour-intensive process, involving multiple personnel and taking up to four hours to implement. This manual switching required disconnecting the existing controls on the track and then connecting the new system. However, Hitachi Rail's solution eliminates these complexities. By streamlining the testing process, Hitachi Rail can maximize the time available for testing, ensuring the safety and reliability of the new digital signalling system. This increased efficiency saves time and costs and provides valuable data to demonstrate the system's effectiveness.
“Our new ‘Over and Back’ solution could potentially transform the testing process for new signalling systems being installed on brownfield sites around the world. It is fitting that we will use the new solution for the first time on Queensland’s Cross River Rail project, ultimately delivering more seamless, sustainable mobility for Queensland Rail and passengers alike,” said Roslyn Stuart, Senior Director Australia.
