Denmark High-Speed Rail Technical Aspects

Denmark High-Speed Rail Technical Aspects

Denmark High-Speed Rail Signalling

Railways in Denmark use a system for cab signalling which is unique, but is based on the system in Switzerland. The system allows 180 km/h maximum speed in Denmark (200 in Switzerland). 5 km of the Øresund Line‎ closest to the border uses Swedish signalling, and 200 km/h is allowed here (only SJ X2 trains reach this speed here), as the only railway in Denmark.

In order to allow modernization of the Danish railway network, Banedanmark are rolling out European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2 on all national rail lines between 2018 and 2030, a project called the Signalling Programme. The project was tendered out in four contracts:

• National rail lines east of Little Belt Bridge, won by Alstom
• National rail lines west of Little Belt Bridge, won by Thales-BBR consortium
• S-train signalling system (CBTC), won by Siemens
• On-board equipment, won by Alstom

Denmark High-Speed Rail Electrification

Most of the InterCity train traffic in Denmark is currently operated using the diesel powered IC3 stock. Only the main line between Malmö (Sweden) and Flensburg (Germany)/Esbjerg via Copenhagen, Odense and Kolding, as well as the spur between Tinglev and Sønderborg, the line between Copenhagen and Helsingør and the line between Ringsted and Næstved (part of the Fehmarn Hinterlands projects) are electrified. To replace the IC3 stock, operator DSB ordered 83 IC4 high-speed diesel trains (200 km/h operating speed) at AnsaldoBreda. Electrification of the main lines is appointed the solution to the future InterCity traffic.

On 7 February 2012 a large majority in the Danish parliament reached a political agreement on electrifying the main line between Lunderskov and Esbjerg and produce a feasibility study for electrifying several other main lines. In the Finance Act of Denmark 2013, electrification of the railway between Køge North and Næstved are financed.

On 1 March 2013, DKK 8.7 billion was reserved for electrifying the main lines Fredericia – Frederikshavn, Roskilde – Kalundborg and Vejle – Struer. The electrification will be completed no later than 2025.

In May 2015, an estimated DKK 2.8 billion deal was made.

New Electric Trainsets

In June 2021, DSB signed a contract with Alstom over the delivery of approximately 150, but at least 100, electric multiple unit trainsets of the type Alstom Coradia Stream. They will be delivered starting 2024 and have a top speed of 200 km/h.

The Talgo 230 cars that DSB have bought are also limited to 200 km/h.