photo: Škoda Group/Technology Showcase at InnoTrans 2026, Berlin, Germany
Škoda Group is expanding its RailOS digital platform into more European countries, adding support for Germany’s PZB train protection system and making the transition to ETCS easier. Group representatives presented the latest development at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin.
Europe’s railways are gradually moving towards a more harmonised approach to train protection, but national systems will remain important before full standardisation is achieved. Škoda Group is therefore expanding its RailOS digital platform, which can combine the European Train Control System (ETCS) with national train protection systems on a single onboard solution. With German PZB now added, the platform can be used in 22 European countries.
RailOS Brings European Train Protection Systems onto One Platform
At the heart of the solution is the iEVC-RailOS platform, which combines compact modular hardware with software applications. This means operators do not need a separate technological solution for every train protection system. Depending on operational requirements, a single platform can combine ETCS with national Class B systems.
The addition of German PZB is an important step. The system is still used in Germany and Austria alongside the gradual deployment of ETCS. For operators running trains across borders, the ability to operate several train protection systems on a common platform can therefore simplify vehicle modernisation.
The Signalling Company (TSC), part of Škoda Group since 2023, is now supplying this combined solution to Belgian freight operator Lineas for its HLD77 locomotives. According to The Signalling Company, the project is based on a modular architecture that allows new functions to be added through software.
"In our case, we need one signalling platform that supports ETCS together with the national train protection systems of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. It sounds simple, but in reality, this is an extremely complex task, particularly when retrofitting existing vehicles. The RailOS platform addresses this challenge through a unique combination of scalability, performance analysis and rapid deployment," said Bruno Vanlede, Head of Fleet Management at Lineas.
From Locomotive Retrofits to New Trains
Retrofitting vehicles already in operation is one area where a software-defined solution can make a significant difference. With large fleets, every change to train protection technology brings both technical and organisational challenges. RailOS is designed so that some future changes can be made through software updates without replacing the underlying hardware.
The platform is not limited to modernising older vehicles. The Signalling Company is also supplying its ETCS solution for 34 new Škoda 27Ev hybrid units for RegioJet. This will be the first deployment of the software-defined ETCS solution on newly built Škoda Group vehicles.
RailOS has developed quickly. In 2024, The Signalling Company presented the platform with Belgian certification. ETCS onboard certification followed in 2025, while the first HLD77 locomotive was authorised for operation with the technology.
The technology has also received industry recognition. In March 2026, The Signalling Company’s software-defined ETCS won the RailTech Europe Innovation Award. According to the organisers and the company, the award recognised, among other things, the potential of software-updatable train protection technology to reduce costs and make future ETCS changes easier to implement.
"We are thrilled to be at the forefront of a new approach to onboard ETCS that is fully aligned with the objectives of European and international railway directives. We look forward to further developing the platform and entering new markets as ETCS expands around the world," said Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group.