Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has awarded three framework contracts worth CHF 1.4bn (€1.8bn) to Hitachi, Siemens and Stadler Rail for the supply of a new generation of digital interlockings. The initial ten-year contracts include three optional five-year extensions and 25 years of system maintenance and support.
Tendered in autumn 2022, the programme was split into two lots: Lot 1, covering complete hardware and software packages, was awarded to Hitachi and Siemens, while Lot 2, for the supply of electronic object controllers, went to Stadler Rail. All three suppliers will be eligible to bid for future contracts within the staged modernisation programme.
SBB currently operates around 500 interlocking systems, many still relying on relay-based technology dating back to the 1950s. The ageing equipment makes maintenance costly and restricts further network development. The operator plans to replace 80% of these legacy systems over the next two decades, with the first installations due in 2029.
The rollout of digital interlockings will boost network capacity, improve operational flexibility, and pave the way for cab signalling across the Swiss network.