Earlier in 2023, Rail Baltica provided an update on the progress of the strategic design and construction procurement for the Control-Command and Signaling subsystem, with five international candidates being qualified for the next stage of the tender. Today, it has been confirmed that all five candidates – “GTS Deutschland GmbH” (Germany), “HITACHI RAIL STS S.P.A.” (Italy), the association of persons ““INDRA SISTEMAS, S.A.”, “AŽD PRAHA S.R.O.“ (Spain, Czech republic), „SKGN Baltics“ – association of persons “SIEMENS MOBILITY OY LATVIA BRANCH”, “SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH”, “GRK SUOMI OY”, “NRC GROUP FINLAND OY”, “KONTRON TRANSPORTATION GMBH” (Latvia, Germany, Finland, Austria), and partnership “ALSTROM – COBRA – FIMA” – association of persons “ALSTOM TRANSPORT SA”, “ALSTOM BALTICS SIA”, “COBRA INSTALACIONES Y SERVICIOS S.A”, PS “FIMA – KZA KRAKOW” (France, Latvia, Spain) – are progressing to the 2nd stage of procurement. The contract with the chosen partner is planned to be signed by the end of 2024.
“The Rail Baltica project has attracted interest from top international companies and consortiums to participate in the design and build procurement for the control-command and signalling subsystem. As the project progresses, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth integration of the control-command and signalling system into the broader Rail Baltica infrastructure, and the selected candidate will play a vital role in shaping the future of rail travel in the region,” said Aiga Benfelde, Deputy Head of Procurement at RB Rail AS and Chairperson of the Procurement Commission.
“At its core, the control-command and signalling system is responsible for managing train movements, ensuring precise coordination, and maintaining the highest level of safety standards. It enables communication between trains, control centres, and signalling equipment, allowing for real-time information exchange and decision-making,” said Andrejs Mislēvičs, Deputy Head of S&O/Signalling and Communications Team Leader. “The implementation of this state-of-the-art system involves advanced technologies and modern signalling solutions, designed to meet the demands of high-speed train operations. By providing accurate and timely information to train drivers and control operators, the system ensures efficiency, reduces travel times, and optimizes railway capacity.”
As communicated previously, the technical scope of the Rail Baltica Control-Command and Signalling subsystem deployment includes ETCS (European Train Control System), FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communication System), interlocking system, traffic management system, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) systems including data transmission network and cyber security, voice communication, ancillary systems, monitoring applications, SCADA (Supervisory control and data acquisition), equipment for stations including passenger information, CCTV (Close Circuit Television Cameras), master clock, ticketing system, platform gates for some stations, non-traction power supply, cableway system as well as technical buildings for CCS equipment.
Design, construction and commissioning of the Rail Baltica Control-Command and Signalling Subsystem will be carried out during the performance of the joint contract, including the defect notification period. Currently, it is estimated that the implementation of the CCS for the Rail Baltica mainline will take place until the end of 2030.