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This Autumn, Hitachi Rail opened a laboratory for electronic signalling technology at the “Todor Kableshkov” University of Transport in Sofia.

Thanks to our collaboration with the university, the laboratory offers an ideal testing platform for emerging talent in the rail sector, enabling students to apply learned theory to real systems. At the same time, the laboratory also serves as a training and development facility for Bulgarian Railway train dispatchers. Hitachi Rail will use the testing facility to train new employees, to test real stations for ongoing projects, such as Elin Pelin-Kostenets, and to test product innovations.

Here, a valuable interface emerges between theory and practice, academia and industry, as well as railway and infrastructure operators and signalling technology manufacturers. This synergy fosters the comprehensive training of future professionals and sustainably supports the growth of the railway sector in Bulgaria.

A glimpse into the laboratory

The new laboratory is equipped with Hitachi Rail's state-of-the-art ELEKTRA electronic interlocking system. This simulator of a real system is also used in Bulgarian Railway operations. At present, 19 of these interlocking systems are in operation across Bulgaria, with three more being installed. In total, this interlocking system controls more than 340 stations across the networks of ten different infrastructure operators in Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Switzerland.

In addition to the interlocking architecture with servers, circuit boards, and software, the laboratory offers several workstations with the same user interface used by railway controllers. This allows the setting of routes to be simulated and practiced in a safe environment.

Future Outlook

Hitachi Rail is currently modernising signalling technology on the Elin Pelin to Vakarel section of the main Bulgarian corridor from Sofia to Plovdiv. This includes the construction of three new electronic interlockings, as well as the adaptation of the corresponding interfaces and a relay interlocking.

Hitachi Rail is continuously advancing its signalling solutions to meet the growing capacity demands of railway and infrastructure operators. By harnessing the full potential of digitalisation, Hitachi Rail is developing intelligent control systems and digital interlockings that deliver real value to rail transport.

The Hitachi Rail laboratory in Sofia is designed with a future-oriented approach and offers the flexibility to expand with additional test installations as needed.

Official Opening

On 22 October 2024, the Hitachi Rail laboratory for electronic signalling technology at the “Todor Kableshkov” University of Transport in Sofia was officially inaugurated. In the presence of senior representatives from the Bulgarian rail sector, Hitachi Rail showcased the laboratory facilities and conducted a simulation of electronic interlocking.

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Prof. Emiliya Dimitrova (Head of Signalling and Telecom Department at the University of Transport), Prof. Daniela Todorova (Rector of the University of Transport), Hana Dellemann (CEO & Country Manager, Hitachi Rail in Austria), Philippe Kupfer (Commercial Advisor at the Embassy of Austria).

Thank you to the University of Transport for this fantastic opportunity to provide cutting-edge signalling technology for aspiring and current rail experts. The close collaboration between industry, rail, and training institutions is a crucial factor that will continue to support our efforts to advance the rail sector significantly. I look forward to working with our team in Sofia and Plovdiv to make rail travel in Bulgaria even more attractive for passengers and freight.

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Hana Dellemann, CEO & Country Director at Hitachi Rail in Austria

About Hitachi Rail in Bulgaria

For over 30 years, Hitachi Rail has been actively shaping signalling technology in Bulgaria. The primary focus has always been on delivering advanced and sustainable mobility solutions that enhance people's quality of life and contribute to the promotion of a more efficient and environmentally friendly transport system.

Hitachi Rail has played a key role in the success of some of the largest infrastructure projects within the Bulgarian railway network. In the Septemvri-Plovdiv-Svilengrad section, which serves as a crucial link between Turkey and Central Europe, Hitachi Rail’s advanced signalling and automation systems ensure efficient and safe railway operations. The comprehensive solution enables central control from Plovdiv, automatic route setting with electronic interlockings, switch drives, axle counters, and LED-based signals, as well as train monitoring and automated train protection with ETCS Level 1. In addition to providing the technical solution, Hitachi Rail also serves as a competence partner for project management, design, and the execution of testing and commissioning.

With locations in Sofia and Plovdiv, Hitachi Rail underscores the importance of the Bulgarian market. The local teams have extensive experience in the Bulgarian railway sector while also leveraging a wealth of expertise from within the international corporation.

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As a token of appreciation, we received a certificate from the university. We are pleased to work with the Bulgarian Railway Company NRIC, represented amongst others by Ivaylo Stoichkov (Signalling Director of NRIC), as well as Valentin Tsankov (CEO of the Railway Administration Executive Agency).