Alstom commissions the first ARGOS Digital Interlocking system in Montbard (France), the first of its kind for the new generation of railway signalling systems

The signalling installations at Montbard are situated on the nearly 30-kilometre railway line running from Nuit-sous-Ravières to Les Laumes station. This challenging section has been selected as a ‘pilot site’ to test, under real-world conditions, the performance and robustness of the ARGOS solution prior to its large-scale deployment. This commissioning marks the culmination of nearly five years of joint efforts between the Alstom and SNCF Réseau teams. 

“Alstom is proud to be supporting SNCF Réseau in this innovative partnership aimed at modernising the French railway network. The commissioning of the ARGOS interlocking system in Montbard illustrates our long-term commitment to a digitalised, interconnected and high-performance rail network serving local communities and passengers. Together, we are shaping the future of rail operations,” said Frédéric Wiscart, President of Alstom France, Belgium & Luxembourg.

Major innovations for computerised interlocking systems

Launched in 2018 by SNCF Réseau, ARGOS is a partnership aimed at designing the third generation of computerised interlocking systems. ARGOS ensures real-time communication between ground-based signalling installations and the Centralised Network Control Centres (CNCR). It aims to improve operational reliability and the performance of maintenance activities and is paving the way for the deployment of ERTMS1.

Alstom is supporting SNCF Réseau in achieving ambitious technical and economic objectives for the new-generation interlocking systems:

• reduction in total cost of ownership;

• digital continuity of systems;

• faster deployment and modification times;

• high levels of reliability, availability and safety;

• enhanced maintainability; 

• guarantees of operational readiness.

In this context, Alstom brings its technological expertise with its Onvia Lock solution, at the heart of its digital signalling offering. This solution enables a direct interface with trackside equipment (point machines, signals) via smart object controllers. It eliminates the need for intermediate relays, thereby reducing ground-level infrastructure, cabling volumes and installation and maintenance costs. Modular and scalable, the Onvia Lock solution also facilitates the adaptation of the network to future changes in traffic, whilst incorporating enhanced cybersecurity requirements from the design stage.

A major industrial and field-based mobilisation within Alstom’s teams

Alstom has implemented a fully integrated approach, covering the entire value chain, from solution development through to on-site deployment.

The ARGOS innovation partnership has mobilised nearly 400 experts at Alstom French sites:

• in Saint-Ouen, Europe’s largest railway engineering centre;

• in Villeurbanne, a centre of excellence for digital and railway electronics;

• as well as at the Mignières workshop, which specialises in pre-wiring and preparing ARGOS shelters.

With the commissioning of the ARGOS substation in Montbard, Alstom is strengthening its position as a major player in mainline railway signalling in France. A pioneer in the development of new functions and standards, Alstom offers digital solutions with high levels of safety and security. With over 3,500 employees, Alstom is France’s leading employer in the field of digital mobility.

ALSTOM™ and Onvia Lock™ are registered trademarks of the Alstom Group. 

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  European Rail Traffic Management System