Adif Initiates ERTMS Trials on Spanish Secondary Rail Lines with Satellite Technology

Spain Advances Rail Safety and Efficiency on Regional Routes

Adif, Spain's railway infrastructure manager, has officially begun trials of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) on its secondary rail lines. This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing safety and increasing capacity on lower-density routes across the country. The project aims to adapt the advanced signaling system, traditionally deployed on high-speed corridors, for more economical implementation on regional networks through innovative technological solutions.

The trials are being conducted on the La Asunción Universidad-Guardo section, which is part of the León-Aranguren metric gauge line. This pilot project is designed to demonstrate that seamless connectivity and safety can be achieved with fewer trackside installations, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

ERTMS Regional: A Cost-Effective Solution

The deployment of ERTMS on secondary lines, often referred to as 'ERTMS Regional,' is a strategic move to extend the benefits of this European standard beyond high-speed networks. Spain already boasts the largest implementation of ERTMS in Europe, with over 3,000 kilometers of operational lines, primarily on its high-speed network. However, the high cost and compatibility challenges have historically limited its widespread adoption on regional lines.

This new application of ERTMS is characterized by requiring less trackside equipment while maintaining the same high safety performance. The project, for which Alstom was awarded a €13.7 million contract in May 2023, is expected to be completed within 36 months. It leverages new technologies to make the system more affordable and interoperable for lines with lower traffic and less intensive infrastructure.

Pilot Project Details and Technological Innovations

The trials on the La Asunción Universidad-Guardo section involve testing both ERTMS Level 1 and Level 2 solutions. A key innovation for Level 2 is the integration of satellite positioning and the use of public telecommunication networks, moving away from traditional GSM-R networks. This approach utilizes GNSS positioning with Galileo and EGNOS satellites, significantly decreasing the need for physical balises and minimizing maintenance costs in regional networks.

The test train, a Class 2600 diesel railcar belonging to Renfe Viajeros, has been converted into a mobile laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art odometry sensors and monitoring systems to measure every operating aspect in real-time. Initial tests have focused on verifying the correct operation of the odometry measurement. The full system trials are scheduled to take place throughout the first half of 2026, with Level 1 tests preceding Level 2.

Benefits for Spain's Railway Network

The successful implementation of ERTMS on secondary lines is anticipated to bring numerous benefits. These include:

• Increased safety: Continuous supervision of train speed and automatic braking functions.
• Enhanced capacity: Ability to reduce intervals between trains.
• Higher reliability and punctuality: Improved performance and fewer failures.
• Reduced maintenance costs: Less trackside equipment, particularly with Level 2.
• Interoperability: Facilitating a seamless railway system across Europe.

This project positions Spain at the forefront of European railway technology, demonstrating a viable path for modernizing and digitizing regional rail networks with a sustainable approach.