Hitachi Rail completed first dynamic testing of its ETCS on Paris - Lyon HSL

In early 2024, Hitachi Rail has successfully completed the first dynamic test of its digital signalling technology for the Paris - Lyon high speed line. This milestone in the deployment of company's ERTMS means the project is due to enter operational service in autumn 2024.

In collaboration with SNCF Réseau, the teams are working to modernise the Paris - Lyon HSL by replacing the current signal boxes with its next-generation ATP, known as SEI+. The project is part of the LGV+ Paris - Lyon contract, and was awarded to Hitachi Rail, in December 2019, for a total amount of 129.3 million EUR.

Dynamic tests are a crucial stage in the development of the project, as they represent the culmination, in a real environment, of many months of preparation and programming. The tests were carried out in an initial section in Paris area (Zone A) and confirmed that Hitachi Rail’s interlocking system correctly enabled the test train, fitted with ERTMS, to run with real commands from the Mistral remote control centre in Lyon (more than 500 km away). 

More than a hundred people are involved in this project, for the development and deployment activities, including 30 Hitachi Rail team members dedicated to the development of the new SEI+ technology. The complexity of the tests lies in the fact that the line is in operation and tests can therefore only take place at night. Hitachi Rail’s on-site testers were mobilised to supervise the SEI+ substations tested along the line and to help SNCF staff in the control room in Lyon to collect and analyse the results.

The next major milestone in the project is the completion of product development with the associated safety file and the end of on-site testing before entering commercial operation by autumn 2024.