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EU-Rail May 2026 Newsletter
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Automated and Cross-Border Rail Traffic Management
Challenge
Key challenges in European railway operations stem from fragmented cross-border coordination between Infrastructure Managers and from the limited ability to detect and resolve operational conflicts in real time. These issues reduce efficiency, constrain capacity utilisation, and negatively impact punctuality and network resilience. To address these challenges, Europe’s Rail has developed two digital approaches targeting, respectively, automated real-time conflict detection and resolution in railway operation and improved cross-border planning coordination.
The solutions
Autonomous Conflict Identification and Resolution
The Conflict Identification and Resolution (CIR) developed under EU-Rail aims to improve the efficiency, robustness, and capacity of railway operations by automatically detecting and resolving traffic conflicts in real time before they impact operations.
Using a predictive approach, the solution analyses real time data to identify potential conflicts at an early stage and propose appropriate mitigation actions. The main components of the solution are:
- Conflict Identification: The conflict identification module continuously analyses operational data, including train positions, timetable information, infrastructure constraints, and operational priorities to detect potential conflicts before they affect operations. By anticipating conflicts in advance, the system enables proactive management of railway traffic.
- Conflict Resolution: The conflict resolution module determines optimal strategies to prevent or resolve conflicts. It applies advanced methods such as reinforcement learning and other AI-based optimisation techniques to calculate the most efficient operational adjustments, addressing both predicted conflicts and those that have already occurred.
- Step Towards Automated Operations: The system goes beyond a traditional decision-support tool. Instead of merely recommending actions, it automatically implements conflict resolution measures. Dispatchers retain supervisory control and can intervene within a defined time window if they disagree with the proposed solution, following a concept comparable to an autopilot mode in aviation.
Readiness for Industrialisation and Deployment
What it does
The solution is currently available as a prototype and is ready for testing. Starting from 2027, it is planned to integrate the solution into a system demonstrator, where it will be tested and validated under real operational conditions.
Maturity level
TRL 5
Expected benefits
- Improved network capacity: By identifying and resolving conflicts proactively, the solution enables more efficient use of existing infrastructure
- Robustness and punctuality: Early detection and automated resolution of conflicts reduce the propagation of delays across the network, leading to more stable operations and improved timetable adherence.
- A Step towards fully automated railway system: The solution represents an important step towards higher levels of automation in railway, enabling automated conflict resolution while maintaining dispatcher supervision.
- Decision-Making through advanced algorithms: Efficient algorithms allow the system to evaluate multiple operational scenarios and determine efficient conflict resolution strategies that may not be immediately evident through manual control.
- Reduced operational workload: By automating routine conflict detection and resolution tasks, the system reduces the cognitive load on dispatchers and traffic controllers, allowing them to manage larger areas more efficiently.
- Energy and environmental benefits: Smoother traffic flows and fewer stop-and-go operations can decrease energy consumption and associated emissions, contributing to more sustainable railway operations.
Who benefits
Infrastructure managers
Railway operators
Suppliers
Final users
Cross-Border Rail Traffic Management and Capacity Optimisation (CB-RTMC) for Seamless Operations
The CB-RTMC is an integrated system that enhances cross-border railway operations by improving communication and coordinated planning between Infrastructure Managers (IMs). It features advanced modules for timetable planning and management, enabling direct data exchange, conflict detection and supported conflict resolution between neighbouring planning systems.
Did you know?
The platform enables proactive cross-border planning, optimises capacity allocation, and supports re-planning in case of unexpected events. By using standardised data exchange and integrating with external railway subsystems, CB-RTMC addresses fragmented communication and uncoordinated planning, resulting in improved punctuality, fewer delays, and optimised infrastructure use.
Maturity level
TRL 5/6
Expected benefits
- Increased Efficiency and Punctuality: By enabling data exchange and coordinated planning, the solution significantly reduces delays and improves the punctuality of cross-border trains.
- Enhanced Decision-Making: Advanced decision-support modules provide operators with comprehensive insights and alternative solution scenarios, improving their ability to manage complex cross-border traffic situations.
- Reduced Operational Costs: Streamlined processes and improved conflict resolution can lead to lower operational costs for Infrastructure Managers and Railway Undertakings.
- Improved Interoperability: Standardised interfaces and communication protocols foster greater interoperability between diverse national railway systems.
- Stronger Collaboration: Facilitates closer collaboration and alignment between neighbouring Infrastructure Managers and Traffic Managers, leading to a more harmonised European railway network.
Who benefits
Infrastructure Managers
Railway operators
Suppliers
Final users
Conclusion
The work of EU-Rail allows for the integration of intelligent traffic management and coordinated cross-border planning tools, enabling faster and more effective operational responses. In turn, this supports higher punctuality, better capacity utilisation, and a more competitive European rail sector. In conclusion, overcoming fragmentation and limited real-time responsiveness is essential to unlocking the full potential of Europe’s railway network. The solutions developed under EU-Rail directly address these challenges by combining advanced digital technologies with more integrated operational approaches. The Autonomous Conflict Identification and Resolution system introduces a proactive and increasingly automated way of managing traffic, shifting from reactive decision-making to predictive and self-optimising operations. At the same time, the CB-RTMC platform strengthens cross-border coordination by enabling seamless data exchange and aligned planning between Infrastructure Managers.
Learn more about the projects
FP1-MOTIONAL
The project FP1-MOTIONAL aims to improve planning and operational management of rail services and offers to meet the European goal of making rail the preferred mode of transport.
FP5-TRANS4M-R
The FP5-TRANS4M-R’s overall goal is to establish rail freight as the backbone of a low-emission, resilient European logistics chain which fulfils end-user requirements to full satisfaction.