BLS, Switzerland's second-largest standard-gauge railway company, has contracted Siemens to upgrade the Bern-Schwarzenburg line to ETCS Level 2 as part of a 110-million-euro framework agreement spanning a decade. This upgrade aims to increase both freight and passenger train capacity on the line. The initial phase involves equipping the 17-kilometer regional line with cab-signalling and digital train control, replacing the existing ETCS Level 1 system.

Siemens Mobility will also introduce an intelligent level crossing management system to reduce closure times and enhance safety. Commissioning is planned for 2029. Daniel Pixley of BLS Netz AG highlights that Siemens Mobility provides a convincing complete solution, setting a new standard for high-performance regional lines in Switzerland. Marc Ludwig, CEO of Siemens Mobility Rail Infrastructure, emphasizes the planning security and efficient modernization enabled by the agreement. This project aligns with Switzerland's broader ERTMS implementation."