To main content To navigation

ERTMS in Denmark

View all Projects

Expertise

Train Protection

Client

Banedanmark

Country

Denmark

Location

Jutland

Status

In Progress

Jutland gets ERTMS

Jutland’s rail network consists of 1,200 kilometres of track. The old train safety management system was due for replacement. This is why Strukton is installing ERTMS Level 2 in a consortium with Thales. ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) is a reliable, international and modern system, enabling trains to run safer and faster and making it easier to maintain the track systems.

Customer Challenge

The train safety management system on the Fjernbane was obsolete, like many such systems in Europe. The train safety management system was responsible for approximately 50% of all delays. Furthermore, Banedanmark wanted to increase maximum speeds and join the European standard.

How does ERTMS Resolve these Issues?

The Thales-Strukton consortium is installing ERTMS Level 2 in the Danish railway network. ERTMS was tested on the first railway sections in 2018 and these sections were subsequently put into use. Further sections are added step by step.

Banedanmark is investing massively in the new train safety system (ERTMS) at the Fjernbane and S-Bane. The complete programme involves no less than 2,600 kilometres of track. Denmark is the first country in Europe rolling out digital signalling systems in the entire country. The programme at the Fjernbane and S-Bane is expected to be completed by 2030. Click here for further information about the programme of Banedanmark.

The Result

ERMTS on the Fjernbane will lead to:

  • 80% fewer signal malfunctions
  • Increased train punctuality
  • Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
  • Lower maintenance costs
  • Optimisation of the management organisation
  • Improved accessibility for international trains

Relevant articles

Previous slide
Next slide

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions here.

What experience does Strukton have with ERTMS?

Strukton has extensive expertise in designing, installing and integrating ERTMS on major European corridors. Our experience includes deployments on the Betuweroute and the Amsterdam–Utrecht line, as well as a large‑scale ERTMS programme in Denmark. We are also rolling out ERTMS in the Dutch province of Friesland and on the Rotterdam–Belgian border route. Our in‑house innovations help accelerate implementation and support Europe’s transition to a fully interoperable rail  network.

What is ERTMS?

The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is Europe’s standardised digital signalling and automatic train protection system. It uses ETCS cab signalling to provide real‑time speed and movement information directly to the driver, supported by GSM‑R radio communication. ERTMS increases rail capacity, enhances safety and enables seamless cross‑border operations, making it central to the modernisation of Europe’s railway network

Which train protection systems are used in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands primarily uses Automatische Treinbeïnvloeding (ATB), a national automatic train control system developed to enforce speed limits and intervene when drivers fail to respond to signals. ATB monitors speed and automatically applies the brakes when required. The Netherlands is also transitioning to ERTMS, Europe’s digital signalling and train control standard that will gradually replace older systems to improve safety, capacity and interoperability.

What is train protection?

Train protection refers to the systems and processes that ensure trains operate safely. The systems detect train locations, manage movement authorities and intervene automatically—typically by applying the brakes—if a train exceeds safe speed limits or passes a signal at danger. Train protection therefore prevents collisions, derailments and other hazardous situations.

What is the innovative ERTMS Trackbot used in digital rail modernisation?

The ERTMS Trackbot is Strukton’s robotic solution designed to mount balises and axle counters efficiently and safely on sleepers and rails—components essential for ETCS operation. With tens of thousands of balises and over twenty thousand axle counters required for ERTMS rollout in the Netherlands alone, the Trackbot automates this repetitive, physically demanding work and helps speed up deployment.