The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) – a popular form of in-cab digital signalling – has been deployed on one of Sweden’s most critical rail lines for freight transport, the Iron Ore Line (known in Swedish as ‘Malmbanan’), a 398km (247 miles) long railway line between Riksgränsen (on the Swedish-Norwegian border) and Boden in Norrbotten County.
This marks the first deployment of ERTMS outside of Sweden’s pilot lines, bringing increased reliability and less need for maintenance to this strategically vital route that is one of Sweden’s most critical rail lines for freight transport.
The modernisation of Malmbanan’s signalling was carried out by Alstom in close partnership with Trafikverket (the Swedish Transport Administration). The delivery has taken place in two key stages: initially through an intermediate upgrade using ATC (Automatic Train Control) and then transitioning to ERTMS – now in operation in the control areas of Linaälv, Gällivare, Kiruna and most recently part of Björkliden.
The project includes system design, development, supply of equipment, testing, commissioning, and training. The solution was primarily developed by Alstom’s engineering teams based in Stockholm and Hässleholm, drawing on their extensive knowledge of Malmbanan’s existing signalling infrastructure and operational context.
Maria Signal-Martebo, Alstom’s managing director in Sweden, said: “We are pleased to see ERTMS now operational on Malmbanan – the first line outside the pilot lines to enter deployment.
“It is a pride for us to support Trafikverket in this rollout to modernize the railway.
“This delivery was possible thanks to our local presence with deep knowledge in signalling systems and operations conditions in Sweden.”
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