Siemens Mobility secures landmark contract for digitalizing rail in Chile, Latin America

In a groundbreaking move for railway infrastructure development in Chile, Siemens Mobility has been awarded by EFE Trenes de Chile, Chile’s national railway operator, its first European Train Control System Level 2 (ETCS L2) project in the country. This advanced system will operate on the groundbreaking DS3 platform, specifically designed for Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL4) applications and make this first deployment of Signaling X in Latin America. This next-generation, cloud-ready signaling platform integrates interlockings, signaling, and control systems into a centralized, virtualized data center. Signaling X shows that advanced rail software can run globally on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware — simplifying infrastructure and reducing complexity for operators worldwide. Key benefits include enhanced operational efficiency, simplified system maintenance, and future-ready capabilities.

This project involves the implementation of advanced signaling systems across 87 kilometers of the projects Tren Alameda-Melipilla (61 km) and Tren Santiago-Batuco (26 km), both in execution. Siemens Mobility will engineer, supply, install, and commission these systems under a five-year project, followed by ten years of comprehensive maintenance.

Digital signaling technology for Latin America
Siemens Mobility's first project of its Signaling X suite in Latin America encompasses the installation and commissioning of the latest European Train Control System Level 2 (ETCS L2) signaling systems along the two pivotal railway routes. Additionally, this initiative marks Siemens Mobility’s second important ETCS Level 2 project in Latin America, following the company’s recent success in securing the region’s largest-ever contract for this advanced technology in São Paulo, Brazil, which underscored its leadership in innovation and the strong confidence it enjoys from customers.

ETCS Level 2 is a signaling system that facilitates continuous communication between trains and trackside equipment, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. This innovative infrastructure development includes advanced interlockings, wayside equipment, traffic control centers, and onboard systems for 32 trains, and will operate on the DS3 platform specifically designed for SIL4 applications. The communication setup leverages 4G-LTE technology with provisions for future 5G readiness, establishing a new standard for railway innovation and efficiency in Chile. This technology brings several benefits: it reduces the number of required interlocking systems, simplifies system maintenance, and creates the prerequisites for future expansions.

Customer Services and Strategic Impact
A comprehensive ten-year service agreement ensures continued support through digital services, asset management, and extensive maintenance strategies, covering preventive, corrective, and predictive facets. Furthermore, Siemens Mobility plans to establish a regional software maintenance Center of Competence (CoC) derived from this contract, thereby fostering future projects across Latin America.

The railway projects for Melipilla and Batuco are part of EFE’s strategic plan, using ETCS Level 2 technology as the standard for future expansions.