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CEOs of Europe’s Rail private members reaffirm their commitment to future rail partnership
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Deliverables: Results Published in April 2026
FP2-R2DATO
D6.7 Report on set of non-functional and functional requirements (SRS) for remote driving
FP2 R2DATO advances rail safety and efficiency by developing the system requirements needed for Remote Driving in future automated train operations. Deliverable D6.7 provides the first set of functional and non-functional requirements for Remote Driving. It is based on 26 use cases and defines 156 requirements that cover different system areas, operational parameters, performance for train-to-trackside communication and human factors and functional interplay. It also highlights that Remote Driving is based on both technical and operational railway processes. D6.7 supports WP8, which focuses on safety aspects of automation processes, and WP12, where the functional prototypes for remote control will be developed, tested and validated against the system architecture.
How it brings us closer to achieving better rail for Europe: By defining a common set of requirements for Remote Driving, D6.7 supports the development of future prototypes and ensures compatibility with existing railway operations and ETCS, while also integrating human factor needs. This contributes to increase capacity, improve punctuality and reduce operational costs by leading to a rail system that is more interoperable, energy efficient, digital and automated.
Target audience: Rail stakeholders, Policymakers, National Safety Authorities, Notified Bodies
More information on this topic: FP2-R2DATO
FP3-IAM4RAIL
D13.1: Multiscale monitoring of civil assets system implementation & bridges and earthworks asset management system implementation report
The IAM4RAIL is a research initiative aimed at developing innovative technical requirements, methods, solutions, and services, based on cutting-edge technologies in order to optimize railway asset lifecycle costs, extend service life, and improve safety, reliability, availability, and capacity for both infrastructure and rolling stock.
This deliverable 13.1 focuses on implementing and demonstrating monitoring technologies earlier for railway civil engineering assets such as bridges, tunnels, and earthworks. It presents Italian and Spanish use cases covering risks like vegetation encroachment, landslides, flood hazards, and structural monitoring, supported by data collection, analysis algorithms, and web-based platforms for real-time visualisation. The work also contributes to preventive maintenance approaches and sets the basis for evaluating Key Performance Indicators in a later validation report.
How it brings us closer to achieving better rail for Europe: Advances on monitoring and data-driven technologies which can detect issues earlier and enable smarter, predictive maintenance of railway assets across Europe. This leads to a more reliable, safer, and cost-efficient rail network with increased capacity and longer asset lifespans.
Target audience: Rail stakeholders, Member States, Researchers
More information on this topic: FP3-IAM4RAIL
FP3-IAM4RAIL
D13.2: Monitoring of tunnel, sub-ballast layers, subsoil and predictive maintenance for tunnels implementation & data analysis for condition monitoring system implementation report
The IAM4RAIL is a research initiative aimed at developing innovative technical requirements, methods, solutions, and services, based on cutting-edge technologies in order to optimize railway asset lifecycle costs, extend service life, and improve safety, reliability, availability, and capacity for both infrastructure and rolling stock.
This deliverable 13.2 presents the implementation and demonstration of monitoring technologies for key railway assets, including tunnels, sub-ballast layers, subsoil, bridges, and embankments. Building on WP12 specifications, it supports intelligent and predictive maintenance through real-time monitoring, data collection, and analysis. The work includes field tests and demonstrations across use cases in France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Norway, validating the systems’ ability to detect early structural and geotechnical issues. It also introduces solutions such as tunnel inspection technologies, subsoil analysis methods, bridge monitoring systems, and a new track quality index combining track geometry and onboard measurements. These developments contribute to improved maintenance planning and provide a basis for evaluating Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in a subsequent validation report.
How it brings us closer to achieving better rail for Europe: Advances on monitoring and data-driven technologies which can detect issues earlier and enable smarter, predictive maintenance of railway assets across Europe. This leads to a more reliable, safer, and cost-efficient rail network with increased capacity and longer asset lifespans.
Target audience: Rail stakeholders, Member States, Researchers
More information on this topic: FP3-IAM4RAIL
ACADEMICS4RAIL
D4.1: Scientific study of the aerodynamics of high-speed freight trains
Academics4Rail aims to establish a stable and long-lasting scientific community that facilitates structured knowledge exchange between academia, EU-Rail, and ERRAC. This collaboration spans multiple levels, from strategic research agendas to concrete technical innovations through coordinated scientific contributions.
WP4 focuses on the aerodynamics of high-speed freight trains. The research carried out so far includes a state-of-the-art review of freight train aerodynamics, the development of a comprehensive and openly accessible database of freight train geometries, and contributions to the scientific community through conference and journal publications. This work supports a better understanding of how train geometry influences aerodynamic performance. By improving knowledge of freight train aerodynamics and providing open research tools, this work contributes to more efficient and optimised train designs. Enhanced aerodynamic performance can reduce energy consumption and operational costs, supporting more sustainable and competitive rail freight transport in Europe.
How it brings us closer to achieving better rail for Europe: Advancing aerodynamic knowledge for freight trains helps improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions in rail freight operations. This supports the development of greener and more cost-effective logistics solutions, strengthening the role of rail in Europe’s sustainable transport system.
Target audience: Rail stakeholders, Member States, Researchers
More information on this topic: ACADEMICS4RAIL
ACADEMICS4RAIL
D6.1: Additive Manufacturing (AM) to reprofiling railway wheels worn by use
Academics4Rail aims to establish a stable and long-lasting scientific community that facilitates structured knowledge exchange between academia, EU-RAIL, and ERRAC. This collaboration spans multiple levels, from strategic research agendas to concrete technical innovations through coordinated scientific contributions.
WP6 investigates the use of Metal Additive Manufacturing (MAM) for railway wheel reprofiling. The work explores Direct Energy Deposition with Laser Beam (DED-LB) to restore worn wheel surfaces and reduce material waste compared to conventional turning. Three materials (AISI 4140, AISI 52100, and AISI H13) have been tested, with AISI 4140 identified as the most promising due to its balanced performance in hardness, wear, and residual stress. This approach shows strong potential to extend wheel lifespan, reduce maintenance costs, and improve efficiency. By enabling more sustainable and targeted repairs, it supports more reliable rail operations and contributes to a more resource-efficient and competitive railway system in Europe.
How it brings us closer to achieving better rail for Europe: By introducing innovative maintenance techniques based on additive manufacturing, this work supports more sustainable asset management and reduces lifecycle costs of railway components.
Target audience: Rail stakeholders, Member States, Researchers
More information on this topic: ACADEMICS4RAIL