Rail Breakthrough: Belgium Certifies Locomotive That Runs on Software

The future of train protection has arrived in Belgium with the approval of TSC’s software-defined safety system. Built for upgrades like ETCS, the HLD77 is now ready to move beyond national borders.

Belgian authorities have granted operating approval for the first locomotive equipped with a modular software-defined safety platform developed by The Signalling Company (TSC), part of Škoda Group. The innovation enables rapid software upgrades and prepares fleets for international operations.

Naše řešení dostalo zelenou! 🚦 Díky modulární bezpečnostní platformě Automatic Train Protection vyvinuté v The Signalling Company, součást Škoda Group, získaly lokomotivy HLD77 společnosti Lineas schválení pro provoz v Belgii. Příští zastávka? Evropa! 🌍 pic.twitter.com/1mUjYeNW3a

— Škoda Group CZ (@SkodaGroupCZ) September 9, 2025

The Signalling Company (TSC), a subsidiary of Škoda Group, announced a milestone in cooperation with Lineas, Europe’s largest private rail freight operator. Belgian regulators have authorised the first HLD77 locomotive fitted with TSC’s software-defined safety platform. According to Škoda Group’s press release, the platform has initially been deployed with the TBL1+ national train protection system, making the HLD77 ready for future software upgrades with optimised operating and maintenance costs.

"The approval of the HLD77 locomotive represents the fulfilment of the vision we shared with Lineas from the very beginning, later embraced by Škoda Group. Software-defined safety is not just a dream. It is reality, here and now, and we invite everyone to see how it works in practice," said Alexandre Bétis, Managing Director of The Signalling Company.

A Platform for Future Mobility

TSC has developed the universal RailOS® platform and the iEVC® safety computer, which enable multiple train protection and other applications to run on a single unit. Škoda Group stated that this design allows rapid and low-cost upgrades, including ETCS, paving the way for international operations in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

The platform is compact, energy-efficient, and easily deployable, making it ideal for modernising existing fleets. "This is also the first step in a series that will equip the entire HLD77 fleet with additional safety applications, including ETCS, leading to full international mobility," Bétis added.

Flexibility and Innovation for Rail

For Lineas, the new technology is crucial. "The ability to operate a fleet with multiple national safety systems and ETCS on a single platform allows us to deploy locomotives flexibly across different countries. TSC’s platform breaks the traditional cost model of onboard safety systems. I am pleased to see innovation at an affordable price, which is an important step for both Lineas and the entire sector," said Francois Alban, Chief Operating Officer of Lineas.

Approval of the HLD77 follows a demanding validation and verification process led by TSC’s Brussels team. Škoda Group confirmed that the universal platform complies with the strictest European safety standards. Its modular, software-defined architecture ensures reliable protection of locomotives, drivers, and cargo even under challenging operating conditions.

Next Steps and Perspectives

TSC continues to expand its portfolio of safety applications. Certification of ETCS is expected soon, and development of the PZB application for Germany and other markets is already underway. "This is another fantastic step on a journey that began in 2019 as just an idea! We look forward to upgrading the system for Lineas in the coming months and releasing the HLD77 fleet for international operations," added Stanislas Pinte, Co-founder of The Signalling Company.

According to Škoda Group’s press release, this step further confirms the company’s commitment to providing affordable and flexible rail safety solutions for European operators. The HLD77 locomotive thus becomes a model for modern, safe, and efficient rail operations able to respond to rapidly changing market and technological needs.