The test track at the Donawitz plant site is far more than just a section of track. Spanning 54 meters, Timna Gschwandl and her team use state-of-the-art sensor technology to investigate how track superstructure systems can be made more efficient, more durable, and more sustainable.

Increasing rail wear, complex maintenance procedures, and growing demands for noise reduction and operational availability are characteristic challenges in the operation of tram and light rail systems. With "New Urban Track," voestalpine Railway Systems has created a newly developed track superstructure system for embedded track – tailored specifically to the requirements of modern tram networks.

A major success for Timna Gschwandl of voestalpine Rail Technology, a subsidiary of voestalpine Railway Systems: the project manager of the test track in Donawitz has been awarded the individual prize at the Bahnindustrie Award 2026. The jury recognized her outstanding achievements in the development and implementation of an innovative test track project that makes an important contribution to the sustainable advancement of railway infrastructure. 

Reliable turnouts are a key requirement for safe and efficient railway operations. With ECOSTAR 5.0, voestalpine Railway Systems offers a modern electro-hydraulic switch machine that combines high reliability, flexible application options, and easy maintenance. In the zentrak ECOSTAR 5.0 configuration, the switch machine is enhanced by zentrak SWITCH CONDITION MONITORING, enabling continuous monitoring of condition data to support a predictive maintenance approach. 

Four days of innovation, intensive expert discussions and impressive live demonstrations: At InnoTrans 2026, voestalpine Railway Systems showcased integrated solutions for the railway infrastructure of tomorrow. The focus was on product innovations, digital technologies, and sustainable concepts designed to enhance the availability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of railway infrastructure over its entire lifecycle. 

Less track downtime, lower maintenance effort and extended turnout service life. These are the key benefits of the new crossing solutions PITSTOP and IMPACT, which voestalpine Railway Systems will present for the first time at InnoTrans 2026. 

Wheelset bearings are among the safety-critical components of a train. Their condition affects not only operational safety but also maintenance costs and vehicle availability. In the field of wheel set monitoring, voestalpine Railway Systems has therefore developed zentrak ACOUSTIC MONITORING SENSOR. This highly sensitive measurement system evaluates acoustic signals to precisely analyze the condition of rotating bearing components during operation and to detect damage at an early stage. 

At this year's InnoTrans in Berlin, voestalpine Railway Systems is presenting the universal zentrak OBJECT CONTROLLER PLATFORM (UNIOC). Developed according to the European standard EULYNX, zentrak UNIOC demonstrates how modern signalling technology can be more easily integrated, operated, and expanded.

voestalpine is further expanding its global presence in the Railway Systems business segment and is building a new production facility for high-quality turnout and rail components in Thorold, Ontario (Canada). At the same time, a long-term supply agreement for the locally manufactured turnout systems was signed with Canadian National (CN), Canada’s largest freight rail company.