EU project “Shift2Rail”: making railway transport more competitive

In October 2020, voestalpine supplied the ÖBB with two demonstrator turnouts for the EU project “Shift2Rail”. The new high-performance turnouts will reduce downtime and lower costs over the entire life cycle.

In close collaboration with partners ÖBB-Infrastruktur and Getzner Werkstoffe, voestalpine Railway Systems developed a system turnout with innovative features in the areas of frogs, switch rails, mounting system, drive unit, and sleepers. The system is constantly monitored using proven technology and a new innovative sensor and measuring concept.

EU project “Shift2Rail” – Innovation made by voestalpine Railway Systems.

Innovation made by voestalpine Railway Systems

In order for rail travel to be more attractive and competitive than other transport alternatives, it has to operate virtually undisturbed 24/7. This requires low maintenance product solutions combined with digital monitoring of track components. That’s where the latest track innovations from global market leader voestalpine Railway Systems come into play.

Shift2Rail is the first European rail initiative to seek focused research and innovation.

Better maintenance planning

A highly elastic fastening system combined with proven, wear-resistant rails and a newly developed switch rail profile increases the maintenance-free service life and optimizes life cycle costs. Plus, the Roadmaster Light monitoring system installed in the point machine monitors the condition of the system and forecasts its future condition. This makes it easier to plan maintenance work and minimizes the risk of sudden failures.

Shift2Rail promotes the competitiveness of the European rail industry.