Digirail – transforming Finland’s rail network with Signaling X
Through a nationwide program, Finland aims to introduce the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 – marking a new era of digital innovation, safety, and efficiency in rail transport. Discover how Siemens Mobility is bringing this vision to life.
Digitalizing Finland's rail infrastructure
Finland is currently transitioning to a fully digital train control system. With a clean-slate approach the country is pioneering the use of commercial mobile networks for ETCS Level 2 communication – a first in Europe. The new state-of-the-art system will benefit both operators and passengers by increasing network capacity, improving punctuality, minimizing disruptions, and enhancing operational safety.  It will pave the way for a more sustainable, efficient, and safe railway network.
A future-ready railway infrastructure
The program, called Digirail, will implement ETCS Level 2 across a total of 6,000 kilometers of track, with full deployment planned by 2040. Using commercial mobile networks is a cost-effective way to digitalize rail infrastructure. ETCS Level 2 with Hybrid Train Detection enables the reduction of physical signals and trackside equipment, which in turn lowers maintenance efforts, especially in harsh conditions with temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius.
The program will also prepare Finland’s rail system for Automated Train Operation (ATO), include centralized data centers to ensure cybersecurity and system reliability, and serve as a model for future-ready infrastructure.
In 2024, Siemens was commissioned to implement ETCS Level 2 and Hybrid Train Detection on the first section of the network, in close collaboration with the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (FTIA) and Fintraffic Railway. Â
The order also represents another milestone in the implementation of Siemens Mobility's latest interlocking and radio block center technology, powered by the DS3 software based safety platform as a core element of Siemens Mobility's Signaling X architecture.Â
As a unified computing platform, Signaling X enables the seamless control and operation of both safety critical (DS3 based) and non safety applications from a centralized Signaling Data Center, running entirely on standard hardware.Â
The initial line is a 191-kilometre stretch between Lielahti and Rauma–Pori, which is expected to enter commercial service by 2029.
Additionally, Siemens Mobility partners with Finnish rolling stock owner company Pääkaupunkiseudun Junakalusto to equip two multiple-unit trainsets with Trainguard OBU and Automated Train Operation (ATO) over ETCS to enable the first ETCS testing in Finland. Initial tests are currently underway in the first installed areas.
191 km
First phase of the project between Lielahti and Rauma–Pori​
2029
First section planned to be in commercial operation
GoA2
Preparedness for automatic operation
We could say that it's the biggest change ever to be made in the Finnish railway sector.
Signaling X brings together various signaling systems onto one hardware-independent software platform, expanding capabilities through open interfaces.
Signaling X whitepaper in collaboration with Railway Gazette
This Railway Gazette whitepaper explores how cloud innovation is shaping the next generation of digital rail by enhancing performance and reliability while maintaining the highest level of safety across complex rail networks, such as cities and countries.Â