The project is examining the national planning, construction and approval processes for railway infrastructure in the field of signalling, telecommunications and electrical engineering systems. The aim is to record and optimise these processes in order to cope with rising investment costs and the shortage of skilled workers.

Project objective

• Recording and optimising the relevant processes.

• Creating a catalogue of verified measures for optimising processes.

• Validating the proposed solutions by means of risk assessment and impact assessment.

Duration and planned project start

Duration: 18 months
Start: 2nd quarter of 2025

The catalogue of measures serves as a template for extensive process optimisations within the EBA and at external interfaces. The optimisations are carried out in close cooperation with all parties involved.

The project aims to identify and optimise the complex and time-consuming planning, construction and approval procedures for engineering, superstructure and building construction (IOH). This is necessary to implement the increasing investments in the railway infrastructure on time and to avoid delays that could arise from a shortage of skilled workers and a lack of testing capacity.

Project objective

• Recording all relevant processes: identification and documentation of existing procedures.
• Development of solution proposals: development of strategies for process optimisation.
• Validation of proposals: risk assessment and impact assessment in cooperation with all stakeholders.
• Creation of a catalogue of measures: compilation of verified measures to optimise processes.

Duration and planned project start

Duration: 18 months
Start: 2nd quarter of 2025

The catalogue of measures will be used both internally in EBA Department 2 and externally at interfaces to enable extensive process optimisation. The optimisations will be carried out in close cooperation with all stakeholders involved.

The DZSF is planning to award a further 18 research projects this year. The call for proposals for the projects depends on the available budget.

• Cybersecurity check: Innovative communication infrastructures and IP-based networks in CCS

• Cybersecurity check: Public network infrastructures and cloud technologies for railway applications

• Manipulation of satellite position data in the railway sector through GNSS spoofing and jamming

• Recording of security-relevant scenarios for ATO development

•  Emergency and fault management in automated driving operations

• Data basis for high-precision localisation in automated driving in rail transport

• Investigation of the acoustic effect of the whistle as a warning in rail transport

• Recalculation of welded railway bridges according to Ril 805

• Integral bridges: Realistic design specifications for temperature loads and constraint

• Validation of the calculation method Vibration behaviour of the overhead line with several pantographs

• Forecasts and methods of strategic infrastructure planning in international comparison

• Acoustic assessment of attachments on noise barriers in accordance with Schall03

• Elastomeric coupling elements for noise barriers

• Concrete technology studies on the use of biochar concrete in engineering structures for the permanent storage of CO2

• Feasibility study on geofencing for track construction and vegetation work in the track environment

• Feasibility study on equipping a permanently installed machine warning system on ballast ploughs, road-rail excavators and track tamping machines

• Optimisation of measures to reduce wildlife accidents on railway tracks

• Employment impact 2.0 - Multi-method analysis of railway-specific labour market data and strategies for recruiting skilled labour

This report outlines the initial phase of WP36 (Onboard Platform Demonstrator), following a step-by-step approach based on the Demonstrator Specification (D36.1). It presents concrete results and key learnings, with the primary objective of demonstrating the feasibility of a Modular Platform that supports basic integrity and safety-critical applications. Key sections of the report include:

• Architecture Update
• Implemented Modules
• Virtual Test Environment
• Platform and Demo Applications

The focus areas are container deployment, continuous integration, cybersecurity, and redundancy.

Advancing Rail for Europe

The Onboard Platform demonstrator aims to create and validate a prototype for future-proof onboard connectivity and IT platforms within highly automated rail systems. Implemented in a laboratory setting, it will demonstrate how railway applications can be hosted and highlight the integration of modular onboard functionalities within a common network. This ensures safe and secure communication between onboard and trackside entities, supporting harmonised operations and maintenance. For example, it will enable remote updates and enhance IT/OT security.

This document addresses the definition of demonstrators and the initiation of developments related to standardised European Checkpoints (ERC). It outlines the definitions of demonstrators, deployment strategies, use case definitions, and approaches for automatic detection of information and damages. An operational analysis identified the necessary checkpoint data, leading to a specification of data requirements for trains, vehicles, Intermodal Loading Units (ILUs), containers, swap bodies, semi-trailers, irregularities, and cargo. The deliverable also investigates the level of harmonisation of main operational procedures across EU Rail Programme activities. Alignment actions involve harmonised operational procedures and yard automation within FP5-TRANS4M-R, FP1-MOTIONAL concerning data exchange, FP3-IAM4RAIL on European Checkpoints (ERC) development, and the System Pillar project Harmonised Diagnostics regarding diagnostics data.

Advancing Rail for Europe

The Technical Definition of the Standard IVG (Intelligent Video Gate) for Checkpoints and Related Demonstrators contributes to achieving better rail for Europe by defining checkpoint demonstrators and their deployment strategies. This forms the basis for future developments in rail digitalisation and automation. It enhances automatic detection of information and damages, ensuring more efficient and reliable freight operations. The creation of a conceptual data model facilitates data exchange between systems, thereby improving interoperability. Additionally, the focus on harmonisation and operational procedures across EU Rail supports the simplification and standardisation of railway systems, making processes more seamless.

The primary goal of the ESEP4Freight project is to develop a web platform that provides freight customers with visibility and access to rail freight options across Europe. This will be achieved through various platform modules, including:

• Interactive Map
• Schedule Viewer
• Contract Toolbox
• Matchmaking Tool
• CO2 Calculator

Deliverable 2.1 presents a conceptual framework and potential architecture for intermodal transport using blockchain technologies and smart contracts. Additionally, this deliverable offers a comprehensive study of existing smart contracts in intermodal transport, detailing their functionalities, challenges, and benefits.

Advancing Rail for Europe

The ESEP4Freight project aims to support the shift towards rail transport, contributing to the decarbonisation of transport.