Alstom achieves a world first, with successful test of ETCS Level 2 baseline 3 application in Denmark

Alstom and Banedanmark, the Danish railway infrastructure owner,  have successfully tested an ETCS  (European Train Control System) level 2 baseline 3 application for the first time ever. The tests were conducted between Roskilde and Gadstrup, as part of the Danish Eastern network upgrade being delivered by Alstom. 

Over the next ten years, Denmark will be completely equipped with ETCS level 2 baseline 3, the newest baseline of ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System). Banedanmark is the first infrastructure manager to apply this baseline. The application was validated by the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) in July 2016.

These were the first successful tests of the baseline 3 application. They demonstrate the potential for modern signalling to deliver a more reliable and higher capacity network in Denmark. Together with Banedanmark we have now taken a huge step forward. Good progress continues towards the completion of the first roll out line, said Pascal Cléré, Alstom Senior Vice President Digital Mobility. 

The tests were performed on the Early Deployment line and conducted from Copenhagens Traffic Control Centre  equipped with Alstoms traffic management system. The operational test train from Alstom was equipped with ETCS L2, a STM (Standard Transmission Module) and legacy system. The tracks were equipped with Alstoms Radio Block Centre and interlocking system, using simulated inputs. 

Banedanmark had awarded Alstom in 2012 a contract to replace the existing signalling system in the East region of Denmark with Atlas, Alstoms ERTMS based signalling solution. It will be implemented on 12 intercity and regional lines in Sealand and Fyn regions which cover half the country. This railway network consists of more than 734 km-long double track line and 90 stations. The contract also includes 25 years of maintenance.