Portugal contracts Hitachi Rail to extend ERTMS train compatibility
PORTUGAL: Infraestruturas de Portugal has contracted Hitachi Rail to develop and certify a new onboard module that allows ETCS-equipped trains to operate on lines still running Portugal’s older signalling system.
Hitachi Rail will design a Specific Transmission Module (STM) — technology that bridges ETCS and the national CONVEL system during the transition period — with engineering teams across Portugal, Sweden and Italy.
The contract follows an international tender. Infraestruturas de Portugal has required FRAND terms — fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory access — ensuring the module will be available to other operators and rolling stock manufacturers on equal terms.
Portugal broadens signalling supplier base for ERTMS rollout
During an ERTMS transition, trains must be able to operate under two signalling regimes simultaneously. An STM sits alongside the onboard ETCS unit and handles communication with older trackside equipment, allowing the same train to run on both modernised and non-modernised lines without infrastructure changes.
Portugal’s CONVEL system remains in place across much of the network while ERTMS installation progresses. Until full migration is complete, STMs are what keep cross-network operations running.
Second supplier reduces single-source dependency
By contracting Hitachi Rail through an open international tender, Infraestruturas de Portugal is establishing a second source for a component that sits at the centre of its migration programme.
Hitachi Rail brings existing operational knowledge of the Portuguese network, having previously delivered infrastructure for the Cascais commuter line and the Lisbon Operational Control Centre.
No contract value or certification timeline has been disclosed.