Following a competitive global bidding process, Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) has chosen Hitachi Rail to engineer and approve a fresh External ERTMS Specific Transmission Module (STM) destined for the nation’s railway system. This initiative represents the creation of Portugal’s second specialized STM, acting as a vital component in aligning the country’s train operations with standardized European signaling protocols. At the heart of this modernization is the ETCS Transition Module, which facilitates the country’s planned shift from its localized CONVEL automatic train protection technology to the universally recognized European Train Control System (ETCS). Crucially, the ETCS Transition Module guarantees that railway services remain fully operational as the broader infrastructure is progressively upgraded for complete cross-border compatibility.
Throughout this technological shift, locomotives will be outfitted with dual ETCS and STM technologies. This dual-system approach guarantees that trains can travel without interruption on railway sections that have not yet achieved full interoperability, thereby facilitating a smooth, stage-by-stage introduction of ETCS Level 2 across the Portuguese rail grid. By bridging the gap between historical systems and contemporary upgrades, the ETCS Transition Module serves an essential role in keeping operations balanced. Furthermore, designing and certifying this additional STM helps broaden the supplier base, effectively reducing reliance on single tech providers and fostering a healthier, more competitive marketplace for rail companies, repair crews, and future train manufacturing initiatives.
Engineers are developing the STM as an independent external unit to seamlessly connect the modern ETCS framework with the older Portuguese Class B equipment, known as CONVEL. Once completed, this technology will be made accessible to the industry under fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) conditions, adhering strictly to established European market regulations. The delivery of the ETCS Transition Module represents a massive cross-border collaboration involving Hitachi Rail experts stationed across Portugal, Italy, and Sweden. This united effort merges deep regional insight with extensive international expertise in train control and digital signaling, building upon Hitachi’s extensive history of successful ERTMS implementations throughout Europe.
Regarding the profound significance of the project, Joaquim Santos stated: “This contract is an important milestone for the modernisation of Portuguese rail. By developing a second STM for the national network, we are helping create a more resilient and competitive technological foundation for the sector, while supporting Infraestruturas de Portugal in delivering an efficient and future-ready transition to ERTMS”.
Ultimately, the ETCS Transition Module created through this agreement will further assist in necessary integration and certification procedures, massively improving both domestic interoperability and the system’s overall linkage with the greater European railway network.
