Alstom, as the leader of a consortium, has been commissioned by the Italian railway network (Gruppo FS) to upgrade the Milano Centrale-Milano Smistamento–Monza–Chiasso line.  Alstom’s share of this contract is worth approximately $22.8 million.

The company will install Atlas 200 its European Traffic Management System (ERTMS) level 2 solution, including its latest-generation, multi-station, computerized interlocking system, Alstom’s Smartlock 400 GP system on the line. The line forms part of corridor A (Genoa-Rotterdam) of the European network interoperable corridors, and will be the first non-high-speed railway line in Italy to be entirely managed by a level 2 ERTMS system.

“As a result of the project, which includes the installation of a new-generation product, the line’s already high level of safety will be further increased,” declared David Cannafoglia, VP, Alstom TIS South Europe and director, Bologna site. “Furthermore, the ERTMS-2 system, which is being implemented on conventional lines for the first time in Italy, will facilitate the work of train drivers. Traffic management on the whole line will be easier and more efficient for the operational centre.”

The project, which will take two-and-a-half years to be completed, will allow the operator to manage the circulation of trains safely and in accordance with the latest regulations governing computerised interlocking systems. Passengers will not only benefit from the greater safety, but also from the greater punctuality of the trains.

The project will be managed by Alstom’s Italian sites: the center of excellence in Bologna and the R&D centre in Bari, which will collaborate with Charleroi site in Belgium.