Hitachi Rail’s ETCS signalling boosts rail freight on key Hungarian corridor to Ukraine and Romania

Hitachi Rail has completed the installation of modern signalling solutions on the 110km rail line between Szajol and Debrecen in Hungary. The line plays a pivotal role in Hungary’s transport network, connecting Budapest to Debrecen and serving as a vital corridor towards Ukraine and Romania.

As a regional centre for major international companies, including a prominent car manufacturer, Debrecen depends on efficient rail freight to support its thriving industries. Enhancing this critical route strengthens Hungary’s role as a logistics hub and boosts regional economies.

Already well-developed, the Szajol-Debrecen line features electrified double tracks and serves eight railway stations with over 250 points and electronic interlockings deployed by Hitachi Rail. Benefitting from Hitachi Rail’s European Train Control System (ETCS) digital signalling technology, the line’s capacity has been optimised with maximum train speeds increasing from 120 to 160 km/h.

Advanced ETCS Implementation

Hitachi Rail has deployed its ETCS Level 2 trackside solution on the section from Szajol to Ebes and ETCS Level 1 from Ebes to Debrecen. This comprehensive introduction of an automated system for safe train control included integrating ETCS with the existing signalling system, configuring data, preparing safety measures, and securing regulatory approvals.

To ensure the ETCS Level 1 section performs nearly as efficiently as the Level 2 section, Hitachi Rail deployed its innovative technology to couple multiple Lineside Electronic Units (LEUs), enhancing drivers’ visibility and awareness of upcoming movement authorities. Remote diagnosis capabilities for the LEUs allow early conflict detection and resolution, ensuring seamless operations. This advanced functionality makes the most of existing infrastructure while maintaining safety on this new high-speed line.

Centralised Traffic Control

Rail operations on the Szajol-Debrecen section are managed remotely via a Hitachi Rail Centralised Traffic Control (CTC) centre in Püspökladány. This centralised system provides a comprehensive view of rail traffic and infrastructure, enabling highly automated processes and rapid conflict resolution for increased punctuality.

Predictive Maintenance

Hitachi Rail’s digital maintenance solution enables predictive monitoring for the point machines along the line. This approach enhances reliability, reduces operational costs, and supports the shift from reactive to data-driven maintenance. Leveraging a global network of experts and proven references, expansion to monitoring additional assets is planned, aligning with MÁV’s vision of a fully connected and optimised railway network.

Building on Proven Success

This latest installation between Szajol and Debrecen builds on the successful deployment of ETCS Level 2 by Hitachi Rail on the section from Ferencváros in the south of Budapest to Monor in 2023. Together, these projects contribute significantly to the modernization and interoperability of the full line from Hungary’s capital city to the Ukrainian border.

György Mikics, Managing Director, Hitachi Rail in Hungary, said: "With this latest ETCS installation on the Szajol-Debrecen route, we are further enhancing international rail connectivity and contributing to the growth of regional economies. Our ETCS system ensures that the route meets the demands of international freight transport while positioning Hungary as a vital link in the Trans-European rail network.”