Projects
ETCS & Class B Retrofit for the Multinational Lineas HLD77 Fleet
Challenge
Lineas, Europe's largest private freight operator, needed to equip its entire Class 77 fleet with ETCS to continue operating across Belgian, Dutch, and German rail networks as legacy signalling systems are phased out. With 109 locomotives requiring retrofit, the scale of the project demanded a partner who could deliver reliably without taking vehicles out of service for extended periods.
Approach
TSC proposed a modular retrofit approach built on the RailOS platform. Rather than a monolithic hardware installation, the system was designed as a compact, software-defined unit — reducing the physical footprint in the cab and cutting installation time per vehicle. The project was structured in two configurations: 87 locomotives with ETCS and Belgian ATP (TBL1+), and 22 locomotives with ETCS plus Belgian, German, and Dutch ATP systems.
Classical ETCS projects take years. With TSC we went from kick-off to safety approval in a few months maximum, and the actual onboard installation takes about ten days per locomotive.
Solution
TSC delivered the full ETCS onboard system — iEVC safe computer, driver machine interface, balise reader, Euroradio, and all associated sensors — across all 109 locomotives. The software-defined architecture meant that multi-country ATP support could be added through configuration rather than additional hardware. A 10-year maintenance program ensures continued compliance and fleet availability.
Results
Tomáš Ignačák, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Škoda Group
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