Alstom and Deutsche Bahn Test Remote-Controlled S-Bahn Train in Munich Depot

Alstom has showcased a new step in rail digitalisation by demonstrating how commuter trains could be remotely driven within depot environments, following a live test carried out in Munich. The demonstration, delivered as part of a Deutsche Bahn project, marked the first time a customer-operated test of remote train driving has been carried out on a commuter service in a real German depot.

The trial involved an S-Bahn train being controlled from a Remote Operation Centre rather than from the cab. Alstom said the exercise was designed with an industrial, real-world application in mind, using a standardised driving interface that can be adapted to different types of rolling stock. The system is intended to support further digitalisation of depot operations and was tested using Deutsche Bahn’s private 5G campus network in Munich.

Remote shunting is expected to reduce the amount of time staff spend walking between trains and control points, while allowing depot movements to be completed more efficiently. Alstom said the technology can be applied to both existing fleets and future newbuild trains, allowing operators to modernise current assets while preparing for longer-term operational changes.

To connect the train with the Remote Operation Centre, Alstom has developed a flexible technical architecture that links legacy train control and management systems with a modern, standardised remote interface. The gateway integrates with existing onboard systems, making data and controls accessible to remote operators without requiring wholesale replacement of older technology.

During the Munich test, additional cameras and sensors were fitted to the train to provide the remote operator with the necessary situational awareness to safely carry out shunting movements. Alstom said the approach can be used across multiple train classes, including BR423, BR430, BR442, BR490 and BR1440 units, covering several hundred trains currently operating in Germany.

The demonstration with Deutsche Bahn is seen as a key milestone towards the potential development of a future prototype, and a significant step in making depot operations more efficient through digital control. Alstom said remote driving has the potential to streamline workflows by bringing train control directly to operators based in centralised locations.

Aymeric Sarrazin, President Digital & Integrated Systems, Alstom said:

“This technology brings the driver’s desk to the operator in the control centre and streamlines every movement in the depot. We value the collaboration with Deutsche Bahn and their confidence to implement this test deployment with us.”

Harmen van Zijderveld, DB Group Board Member for Regional Transport said:

“Shunting trains by remote control can reduce the workload for our employees and significantly speed up processes in our depots. In just four months, we have put the test system on the rails: from the local 5G network to the control centre and the technology in the train. This proves that technical innovations can also be realised with existing vehicles.”

Image: Alstom