The Digital Automatic Coupler for freight trains (DAK) is gaining momentum. A multi-month field test on lines and marshalling yards across Europe has been successfully completed. The consortium carrying out the project includes DB, DB Cargo, and SBB Cargo. 

Production will take place in Switzerland, delivery in Norway: Train manufacturer Stadler has been awarded the contract for 17 "Flirt Nordic Express" trains with an option for up to 83 more. The trains, capable of speeds up to 200 km/h, have up to 542 seats and, depending on their area of ​​operation, feature either electric or bi-modal propulsion.

D. Pejic

Nothing is wasted: «TX Logistik» (a subsidiary of Mercitalia Logistics – FS Italiane Group), founded in 1999 and now one of the largest rail freight transport companies in Europe, has transferred the management of its Austrian «Transalpine» subsidiary to Dejan Pejic.

Fig.: Stadlerrail

DB's maintenance and track work vehicles are to be equipped with a new version of Stadler's European Train Control System. Eight "Guardia" type vehicles are to be delivered to Deutsche Bahn soon, with an option for up to 72 more agreed upon.

Billion-dollar contracts in railway technology often generate synergy effects among suppliers. And sometimes, these companies even surpass their country of origin in terms of technological advancements. This is now the case on the Nile, where Kontron was awarded the contract for the GSM-R digital communications network for the Egyptian high-speed rail project.

2014 in Azerbaijan...

Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ) has signed long-term contracts with Stadler for several hundred sleeping and couchette cars, including a 20-year full-service agreement. Delivery is planned until 2030. A similar agreement with Azerbaijan worked quite well in 2014. A production plant is to be established in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana.

 In Karlsruhe, the mock-up of Stadler's new dual-system train was unveiled. This train is intended to operate in the Karlsruhe, Saarbrücken, Neckar-Alb region, Upper Austria, and Salzburg area. The demonstration model is 22 meters long and depicts the cockpit, seating rows, and the accessible multi-purpose area.

Photo: DB

 Deutsche Bahn (DB) intends to significantly accelerate the expansion of its infrastructure. With track construction capacities exhausted, digitalization and the train control systems ETCS and ERTMS are expected to provide relief, with Stuttgart and the Rhine Valley corridor in particular benefiting from faster service intervals and an additional €1 billion.

L. Gerig

Lucius Gerig (35) will take over as head of the Swiss division at rail manufacturer Stadler, the largest within the group, at the start of the new year, and will simultaneously join the Group Executive Board. He succeeds Markus Bernsteiner, who will take over the role of CEO of the group from Peter Spuhler.

Far behind: The Brenner Pass

The Swiss NEAT project is long finished – in Bavaria, Brenner transit is still a farcical affair. "We can't wait until the base tunnel is completed," says Bavarian businesses. "Goods must be transported by rail immediately." But many companies still forgo rail due to insufficient capacity, lack of flexibility, and unreliable freight trains. This approach is unlikely to change anything in the foreseeable future.

S. Stark

The 210 railway and track system manufacturers, whose interests are represented by the German Railway Industry Association (VDB), in which Schindler also has a seat and vote, employ 54,700 people. Sarah Stark is now taking over as the new CEO of the VDB. Ben Möbius is moving on to new challenges after eight years.

Under the logically sounding name NiKRASA, TX Logistik has presented the new generation of a transshipment system for "non-craneable semi-trailers" (ditto). The newly designed version 3.0 no longer requires a ramp, is stackable, and has been optimized for combined transport.

Deutsche Bahn plans to focus more on circular economy principles for the steel used in rails, track ballast, and concrete sleepers. This was announced by DB CEO Richard Lutz at a sustainability forum in Berlin.

 Vehicle inspection.

 Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is focusing on increasing rail freight. With "Suisse Cargo Logistics," it is laying the foundation for a logistics system that will become even more efficient and automated. By 2050, 60 percent more freight could be transported by rail. The plans include five new terminals and up to eight city hubs.

Photo: Messe Berlin

InnoTrans, the world's leading trade fair for the rail industry, has reopened its doors to an international audience in Berlin after a four-year hiatus. The industry is confident about its prospects for the "mobility of the future," says Andre Rodenbeck, President of the Association of the German Rail Industry, of which Stadler is also a member.