Rail traffic SBB introduces a new generation of digital signal boxes
SBB is introducing new digital interlockings. On Tuesday, SBB awarded the contract worth 1.4 billion Swiss francs to Hitachi, Siemens and Stadler Rail as part of a public tender.
07.10.2025, 09:13
SDA
The introduction of digital interlockings is the central prerequisite for the implementation of driver's cab signaling, SBB announced. This system displays all signals and important driving information to the train drivers directly in the driver's cab and not via signals along the route. This is the basis for allowing more trains to run at shorter intervals.
The new systems are more flexible, cheaper to operate and also easier to modernize. SBB operates almost 500 signal boxes in Switzerland. Half of these are relay interlockings, which are based on technology from the 1950s and have reached the end of their service life. The network can no longer be further developed with this technology.
According to SBB, the modernization of the interlockings is expected to begin with the first commissioning in 2029 and will take around 40 years in total. 80 percent of the systems are to be replaced over the next 20 years. In future, SBB will need significantly fewer signal boxes thanks to the use of new technologies.
SBB's goal is a digital, networked rail system. In addition to digital interlockings, this includes precisely locatable trains thanks to driver's cab signaling, advanced control systems and a traffic control system that displays the traffic situation in real time.
