Siemens wins large order for railway systems in Belgium worth €105 million

Erlangen, Jul 26, 2006, The Siemens Transportation Systems Group (TS) has won a large order worth 105 million euros from Infrabel, the Belgian railway network operator. Siemens is to equip 4,000 signals with components for the Belgian train control system and for the new standardized European Train Control System (ETCS). "This large order underscores the outstanding technical performance and the success of our ETCS solutions" emphasized Andreas Busemann, head of the Rail Automation Division at TS.

The order encompasses not only the signals and components but also project planning and installation services as well as a maintenance contract covering a period of 20 years. This is the largest order that Siemens has ever received for an ETCS system.

Train control systems help the train driver by performing numerous automatic functions. They also monitor vehicle movements and transfer information regarding train operations via transmitters located along the track, while corresponding data receivers are installed on the locomotive.

At present, the many different national train control systems are a considerable obstacle to cross-border rail traffic. Locomotives must either be changed at the frontiers – a wasteful, time-consuming process – or the trains have to be equipped with several types of train control systems. The introduction of ETCS throughout Europe is therefore intended to facilitate and accelerate cross-border rail traffic.

The Transportation Systems Group (TS) of Siemens AG is one of the leading international suppliers to the railways industry. As single-source supplier and system integrator, the Group combines in its business segments Automation & Power, Rolling Stock, Turnkey Systems and Integrated Services all the expertise necessary to cover the spectrum from signaling and control systems to traction power supplies, as well as rolling stock for mass transit, regional and main line services. Extensive experience in project management and forward-looking service concepts complement our portfolio. In fiscal 2005 (ended September 30), TS generated sales of around €4.2 billion with around 18,400 employees worldwide. Further information on TS can be found at www.siemens.com/transportation.

Reference number: TS RA 2006 07.21e

Contact Information

Bernd Edelmann

Media Contact

Siemens Transportation Systems Group (TS)

Contact via E-mail