Alstom accelerates digital rail transformation in Queensland

Alstom has been awarded the first €69 million (AUD $114 million) tranche of a total €214 million (AUD $354 million) contract by the Queensland Government for Stage 1 of The Wave project in Queensland, Australia. The rail company will design, supply, test, and commission its ONVIA Control ETCS Level 2 trackside signaling system for Sector 1 North along the new Sunshine Coast line.

Project Scope and Infrastructure Goals
The contract is a component of Queensland’s broader ETCS Program, which aims to establish a higher-capacity rail system and forms the foundation for the State's sectorisation strategy. The deployment serves as a key phase in preparing the regional rail infrastructure for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games.

The Sector 1 North project encompasses brownfield and greenfield sections of The Wave, as well as segments along the North Coast Line to the Sunshine Coast. The implementation requires integration across these varying sections while maintaining uninterrupted passenger services along the corridor.

Technical Specifications and Regional Deployment
The ONVIA Control ETCS Level 2 system is a radio-based platform designed to provide continuous digital train control. The technology allows operators to maximize safety, capacity, and network efficiency. Alstom has previously deployed this interoperable platform across railways in more than 35 countries, with versions of the technology being delivered within the Asia-Pacific region, including the Philippines and India.

Delivery and Integration Partnership
Execution of the project involves a collaborative structure. Alstom serves as the ETCS contractor, partnering with the network operator, Queensland Rail, alongside multiple civil contractors managing the infrastructure works. The successful completion of the project depends on interface management across civil and digital radio system partners.

"Alstom’s ETCS Level 2 system is a globally proven, interoperable platform deployed across thousands of kilometres of railway in more than 35 countries, enabling operators to maximise capacity, safety and network efficiency through continuous digital train control. Advanced versions of this technology are being delivered by Alstom across the region including in the Philippines and India." — Ling Fang, Asia-Pacific Region President, Alstom.

Edited by Romila DSilva, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.