THALES : deploys the first ETCS Level 2 system in Hungary

03 January 2012

Thales and its consortium partner, the Hungarian company Dunántúli Kft., has signed a contract worth €70 millionwith the Hungarian infrastructure company NIF (National Infrastructure Development Company) to provide the state-of-art interlocking and electronic train protection technology for the 66 km Szajol-Püspöklandany line. 

Six years after having completed the first European cross-border ETCS project on the line between Vienna and Budapest, Thales is once again demonstrating its experience and expertise in the field of European train protection technology.

The latest project includes the design, delivery, installation and commissioning of ELEKTRA electronic interlocking systems for five train stations, an operational management centre at Püspükladány station and an ETCS level 2 Radio Block Center. Around 180 points and 340 signals are controlled by the operational management centre. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2015.

"The Hungarian infrastructure company has chosen to improve this railway line using cutting-edge protection technology to make both passenger and freight transport more efficient and attractive. This is a crucial step as the line is part of the Trans-European Network," said Raphaël Eskinazi, Thales Senior Vice President for Northern & Central Europe.

Thales has consolidated its position as market leader in Hungary through a number of successful process control and protection technology projects for the operators MÁV, GySEV and BKV. A total of around 800 points are currently managed safely and reliably by more than 40 ELEKTRA electronic interlocking systems.

Note to editors: ETCS (European Train Control System)

Protection systems ensure the safe transportation of passengers and goods by train. More than 14 different protection systems are currently in use throughout Europe but are not compatible with each other. ETCS is a modular solution consisting of three different levels. Level 2 is being used for the current project in Hungary. The main difference between ETCS Level 1 and ETCS Level 2 lies in the type of communication medium used between the vehicle and the trackside infrastructure.

The European Union directive issued in 1996 to solve this compatibility problem obligates European railway operators to equip their lines with the ETCS train protection system. ETCS plays a critical role in efforts to harmonise the European railway network. It helps to unify the various train protection solutions in use in Europe by ensuring interoperability of signalling systems. ETCS is a modern train protection system that is suitable for use not only in Europe but around the world, as has been demonstrated in a range of international projects.