TGV: Compagnie des Signaux Boosts Paris-Lyon Line Capacity by 25%
TGV: Compagnie des Signaux Boosts Paris-Lyon Line Capacity by 25%
Thomas Engrand’s article in Le Figaro on December 8, 2024, reports on the successful commissioning of LGV+, the signaling modernization of the Paris-Lyon high-speed line:
“Europe’s busiest high-speed rail line will increase its capacity by 25% by 2030. The modernization of the railway signaling system makes it possible to increase train frequency on this, Europe’s most frequented route.
After five years of work, a new signaling system has just been installed on the iconic Paris-Lyon line, reducing the minimum interval between two trains. Installed over 550 km, it was finalized during a traffic interruption of only four days, from November 9 to 12.”
A World First
This project “is a world first, both in its scale and its controlled execution on a hyper-dense high-speed line currently in operation,” enthuses Matthieu Chabanel, CEO of SNCF Réseau.
“This project was exceptional in terms of both its scale and complexity,” highlights Gilles Pascault, CEO of Compagnie des Signaux, who sees it as a unique opportunity “to demonstrate the company’s expertise and open the doors to international markets.” [End of Le Figaro article]
Gilles Pascault adds: “We mobilized over 120 engineers and technicians, implemented new software programming and validation methods, and trained a large team for testing and commissioning. As is typical for this type of major technological project, difficulties arose, but each time our company was able to find the resources and mobilize to overcome them without impacting the final schedule, which was decided almost five years ago. Once again, I would like to thank the teams and management of SNCF Réseau, who have supported us and always kept their trust in us.“
The SEI+ System: A Quantum Leap in Rail Signaling
At the heart of this modernization is the SEI+ digital interlocking system, developed and deployed by Compagnie des Signaux (CSEE). By replacing older signaling systems, SEI+ reduces the intervals between trains and increases the line’s capacity by approximately 25%, providing a more integrated, high-performance, and robust digital system. The SEI+ digital interlocking is fully compatible with the latest ERTMS standard and incorporates a very powerful 2-out-of-3 vital computer, which will allow for the integration of future ERTMS evolutions.
A Major Project Completed in Record Time
The project is colossal, involving 550 km of supervised lines, 58 new SEI+ interlocking stations installed and tested, 31 new crossovers, and the interface with 18 external interlocking stations at the line boundaries, making it one of the most complex rail projects in recent years.
