Siemens Mobility modernizes and digitalizes Slovakia's most important railway line
Siemens Mobility is modernizing and digitalizing Slovakia's main railway line from Bratislava-Rača to Nové Mesto to Púchov, which is also part of the international Baltic-Adriatic Corridor. A corresponding contract was recently signed with Slovakia's railway infrastructure operator ŽSR (Železnice Slovenskej Republiky). The agreement primarily includes the modernization and expansion of existing interlocking systems and the installation of the digital control system Iltis N on the line section from Bratislava-Rača to Nové Mesto nad Váhom. Additionally, the existing train control system ETCS L1 between Bratislava - Rača - Nové Mesto nad Váhom - Púchov will be aligned with European rail network standards. These technologies will increase the line's capacity, enhance performance, and significantly improve the efficiency of rail operations. Project completion is expected by mid-2026, after which the line will be fully digitally controlled.
With our technologies, we are advancing digital transformation in rail. This will enhance performance, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency of railway operations. The result: significant benefits for infrastructure operator ŽSR, railway companies operating on this line, and all passengers.
Extensive railway line modernization in western Slovakia
The railway section between the Slovak capital Bratislava via Rača to Nové Mesto nad Váhom is one of Slovakia's most heavily used railway routes. Along this 92-kilometer route and its eight stations, Siemens Mobility will significantly advance digital rail control and expand the innovative train control system Iltis N as well as interlocking elements to ensure increased line capacity. In the Cifer - Trnava section, cable routes will be renovated, and in the section from Trnava to Nové Mesto nad Váhom, additional fiber optic cables necessary for control purposes will be installed.
Innovative rail traffic management with Iltis N
The Integrated Control and Information System (Iltis) from Siemens enables optimal control and management of railway lines. The previous Iltis classic system is being replaced by the enhanced Iltis N, enabling automated control of Slovak rail traffic. Fully automated timetable provision and early conflict detection significantly increase train frequency. Integrated Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) make operations more efficient while reducing lifecycle costs. The implementation of Iltis N therefore creates a robust system architecture with maximum availability and reliability.
Siemens Mobility in Slovakia
Siemens Mobility employs around 900 people in Slovakia, with further growth planned. In 2024, the company was named one of Slovakia's Top 10 employers in the transport and logistics sector. Besides the headquarters in Bratislava, the rapidly growing Rail Infrastructure Engineering Center in Žilina plays a significant role, with approximately 700 IT specialists working there. They provide services in software and hardware development for control and safety systems for global rail traffic. Additionally, there is a competence center in Bratislava specializing in the MIREL train protection system. This technology is primarily used by railways in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland. Therefore, projects in these markets are mainly supported by engineers in Bratislava.