Alstom has announced the successful commission of the new-generation ARGOS computerised interlocking system at a site in Montbard, near Dijon, France.
This first deployment has been carried out in collaboration with SNCF Réseau, and represents a major shift in signalling systems towards more digital, integrated and industrially scalable solutions.
Both companies have worked closely to implement the system
© SNCF Réséau/Thomas Hazenbrouk
The digitalisation has been deemed essential for the implementation of the ERTMS-based speed control system, which Alstom is also deploying on the high-speed line between Paris and Lyon in order to increase overall capacity.
Installations along Montbard are situated along the nearly-30 kilometre railway line running from Nuit-sous-Ravières to Les Laumes station – which has been selected as a ‘pilot site’ to test, under real-world conditions, the performance and robustness of the ARGOS solution prior to its large-scale deployment.
Commissioning marks the culmination of almost five years of joint efforts between the Alstom and SNCF Réseau teams.
Frédéric Wiscart, President of Alstom France, Belgium & Luxembourg, said:
Alstom is proud to be supporting SNCF Réseau in this innovative partnership aimed at modernising the French railway network.
The commissioning of the ARGOS interlocking system in Montbard illustrates our long-term commitment to a digitalised, interconnected and high-performance rail network serving local communities and passengers. Together, we are shaping the future of rail operations.
First launched by SNCF Réseau in 2018; ARGOS is a partnership aimed at designing the third generation of computerised interlocking systems. It seeks to ensure real-time communication between ground-based signalling installations and the Centralised Network Control Centres (CNCR), as well as improve operational reliability and performance of maintenance activities and paving the way for the deployment of ERTMS.
For its part; Alstom is supporting SNCF Réseau in its journey to achieve numerous technical and economic objectives for the interlocking systems, including a reduction in total cost of ownership; digital continuity of systems; faster deployment and modification times; high levels of reliability, availability and safety; enhanced maintainability; and guarantees of operational readiness.
Within this context, Alstom has supplied its Onvia Lock solution, which enables a direct interface with trackside equipment (point machines, signals) via smart object controllers and eliminates the need for intermediate relays, reducing ground-level infrastructure, cabling volumes and installation and maintenance costs.
Thus far; Alstom has implemented a fully integrated approach, covering the entire value chain from solution development through to on-site deployment. There are now currently nearly 400 ARGOS experts at a number of Alstom sites across France, including Saint-Ouen, Europe’s largest railway engineering centre; Villeurbanne, a centre of excellence for digital and railway electronics; and the Mignières workshop, which specialises in pre-wiring and preparing ARGOS shelters.