Alstom Reaches 100-Train Milestone in Norway’s ERTMS Rail Upgrade

Alstom has passed a major landmark in Norway’s rail modernisation programme after completing onboard ERTMS signalling upgrades on its 100th train.

The milestone forms part of one of Europe’s largest signalling transformation projects, which will ultimately see more than 350 trains equipped with the European Rail Traffic Management System. The achievement is intended to support greater network capacity, improved reliability and long-term interoperability across Norway’s railway. The occasion was marked at Alstom’s Grorud depot in the Oslo area, where key industry partners gathered to acknowledge progress.

ERTMS is being introduced across the Norwegian rail network to improve performance, availability and operational resilience. Alstom holds several contracts covering the installation of onboard train control systems across the entire national fleet, making the programme a central element of Norway’s move to digital signalling.

Much of the upgrade work is being carried out domestically at Alstom’s Grorud depot near Oslo and its Marienborg depot near Trondheim. Engineers are installing and testing new hardware and software across a wide range of rolling stock, working closely with organisations including Bane NOR, Norske Tog, Vy Group, SJ Norge and freight operators.

The programme encompasses passenger trains, locomotives and track maintenance vehicles, all of which are being fitted with next-generation odometry systems that use satellite positioning. These systems have been designed to operate reliably in Norway’s challenging climate. Two fleets have already been fully upgraded: heavy-duty maintenance machines and rescue locomotives, both owned and operated by infrastructure manager Bane NOR.

According to Alstom, the pace of conversion remains steady, with three to four passenger trains currently being upgraded each month. The continued availability of these trains is considered critical for maintaining both passenger and freight services while the transition to ERTMS continues.

The onboard solution being installed is Alstom’s Onvia Cab system, an interoperable signalling platform designed for integration into new and existing trains. The company says its experience from more than 300 onboard digital signalling projects in over 40 countries is helping to drive the programme forward, bringing Norway closer to a fully digital railway capable of future cross-border interoperability.

Jörg Nikutta, MD Alstom Denmark & Norway said:

“Passing the 100-train mark shows how far we have come on this journey. ERTMS will help boost track capacity, raise punctuality and save money by reducing wayside equipment. None of this would be possible without the outstanding commitment of our teams, who are driving this transformation every day"

Image: Alstom