The German section of the Scandinavian–Mediterranean Corridor (“ScanMed”), around 4,500 kilometers in total length, is one of Europe’s most important railway corridors. This central north–south route links Denmark with Austria and connects key metropolitan areas from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean.
DB InfraGO AG is the infrastructure company of the German national railway operator Deutsche Bahn AG (DB). With the objective of improving efficiency, safety, and cross-border cooperation in European rail transport, DB’s infrastructure manager is equipping the corridor with the European Train Control System (ETCS) and state-of-the-art signaling and control technology.
Drees & Sommer SE supports DB InfraGO with expertise in multi-project coordination as well as schedule and risk management. The consulting company specializes in real estate and infrastructure projects.
The ScanMed corridor is one of Germany’s largest digital transformation projects, comprising more than 30,000 control units as well as numerous digital control centers and technical facilities. The rollout of ETCS along this central axis strengthens Germany’s rail infrastructure and enhances cross-border rail operations.
“The upgrade also improves cooperation with European rail operators,” says André Schulz, who has overall responsibility for the ScanMed Project Management Office. “The aim is to standardize technical interfaces between trains and infrastructure across Europe, thereby ensuring interoperability.”
The modernization also increases operational safety and, in combination with other digital technologies, is expected to raise capacity in the medium term through shorter headways, while reducing the number of outdoor trackside installations.
Digital systems for more efficient rail operations
The ETCS train control system replaces traditional lineside signals with in-cab digital displays. A centralized control center monitors train movements in real time, issues operating instructions, and enables precise management of capacity on individual sections of track. This allows the rail network to be used more efficiently without compromising safety. In addition to ETCS, modern signaling technology and the integrated control and operating system form the backbone of the digital infrastructure.
André Schulz explains: “Modern interlocking systems are gradually replacing legacy technologies. They transmit control commands to switches and signals via fiber-optic cables and communicate through standardized, IP-based interfaces. This means that, in future, components from different manufacturers can be combined within a single system. In this way, we promote competition among suppliers. In the long term, this will result in more cost-efficient and future-proof solutions.”
Cross-sector collaboration as a key success factor
To ensure the success of large-scale projects such as the modernization of the ScanMed corridor, DB InfraGO is increasingly relying on cross-sector partnership models. Through the ‘Digital Rail Germany’ program, stakeholders across the industry are pooling expertise to create a digitally interconnected rail network from a wide range of technical solutions.
Drees & Sommer project lead Nils Johannsen and his team monitor schedule compliance, coordinate subprojects, and ensure smooth interaction between all disciplines. The infrastructure expert comments: “Collaboration delivers significant added value when government bodies, research institutions, industrial companies, and transport operators are involved at an early stage. Their combined expertise results in solutions that are technically viable, cost-efficient, and politically acceptable.”
From Johannsen’s perspective, project management is particularly demanding. “A large number of partners inevitably creates many interfaces. Careful coordination between participants and subprojects is essential. We therefore support the project management office and project team with schedule monitoring, risk management, and internal process coordination. This increases transparency and helps ensure that even large-scale projects such as the ScanMed corridor can be delivered on time.”
Leveraging lessons learned for future projects
The ScanMed project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2035. Experience gained can then be incorporated directly into the planning and implementation of future projects.
Nils Johannsen emphasizes: “Every infrastructure project operates under different framework conditions, but much of the experience gained can be transferred. Thorough documentation and systematic analysis of project processes are essential. This enables us to continuously refine and improve our approaches.”
Picture caption: The European Train Control System (ETCS) is a core element of the digital transformation of Germany’s rail network. It digitally controls train movements and improves network efficiency. © DB InfraGO AG (“Digital Rail Germany”)