The development of railway systems is a long-lasting process requiring proper and reliable verification of solutions. The systems that serve millions of passengers must comply with safety standards and ensure reliability and compliance with rigid requirements.
The development of new technologies and breakthroughs has led to substantial progress in the industry, from optimization of line capacity, fleet management, to more reliable supervision systems and technologies on board the train. They may lead to improvements in passenger information systems, timetable and route optimizations, flow control, and enhancement of passenger comfort.
Multiple European research programmes address the importance of research and development activities. Through the joint effort of organizations, industry leaders, authorities, and institutes, the cutting-edge technology is gradually entering the railway sector.
Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (EU-Rail)
One of the most prominent research activities is led by the European Rail Joint Undertaking, formerly known as Shift2Rail. Established under the Horizon Europe programme, the EU-Rail partnership works on providing solutions to accelerate the sector and develop operational systems enhancing the competitiveness of rail for more flexible and sustainable railway systems.
Its core activities consist of several programmes, maintained through periodic calls for proposals, which keep them dynamic and focused on the most crucial innovation areas.

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