With the zentrak MODULAR DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (MDS), voestalpine Railway Systems introduces a modular diagnostic system that monitors rolling stock using a variety of sensor types. Depending on the application, infrared, fiber-optic, acoustic, and/or optical sensors are used. This allows, for example, overheated axle bearing housings or overloading to be detected.

In rail transport, enormous amounts of data are generated daily by sensors along the tracks that collect information about trains as they pass by or travel through. When used correctly, this data provides valuable insights into the condition of rolling stock and enables the early detection of hazardous situations. Prompt intervention can minimize damage, even prevent it entirely, and maximize the availability of both the infrastructure and the rolling stock. The rolling stock monitoring software, zentrak CENTRAL MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE (CMS) from voestalpine Railway Systems, centrally aggregates this information and makes it usable for operators.

Compared to road transport, rail transport is considered safer and more eco-friendly. However, with the increasing shift to e-mobility, a new challenge is emerging: Securing and further expanding the ecological advantage of rail transport in the long term. What role do life cycle thinking and circular economy play in this? Christian Aichberger, sustainability expert at voestalpine Railway Systems, provides insights into how these issues are viewed holistically and translated into concrete solutions. 

In the future, even more people and goods are expected to be transported by rail. As a result, the rail network is increasingly reaching its limits. How can rail remain an attractive part of the transport chain in the future? Sandra Baltic, Product Manager at voestalpine Railway Systems, talks about the role of digitalization in increasing availability, safety, and predictive maintenance. 

Concrete sleepers in track construction are a product that stands for continuity rather than innovation. But there is a lot going on in this area. In this interview, Wolfgang Hölzl - Engineering, Design & R&D Sleeper at voestalpine Railway Systems - tells us why sleepers are more than just a simple piece of concrete and what the sleeper of the future looks like at voestalpine Railway Systems. 

They are barely visible, yet so crucial for safety and efficiency on the track: fastening systems play a central role in load transfer and elasticity control. In this interview, Thomas Mayer, Vice President – R&D and Engineering Fastening Systems, provides insights into the complex world of fastening systems and shows why the interaction of components determines performance and service life.

From training at the company’s own academy through planning, surveying and alignment planning to production, logistics and installation support, voestalpine Railway Systems provides end‑to‑end system solutions across the entire value chain. Supported by professional on‑track service teams and comprehensive digital monitoring throughout the full lifecycle, these solutions maximize track availability, reduce lifecycle costs, and ensure long‑term rail infrastructure performance based on the principles of the circular economy.

Rails are designed for extreme loads and a long service life. They can remain in service for up to 50 years on secondary lines and for up to 35 years on main lines. However, increasing traffic loads, higher availability requirements, and ambitious sustainability goals are changing the framework conditions. Sören Röhrig, Product Manager at voestalpine Railway Systems, talks about technological developments, and the path to green rail. 

The railway sector faces increasing demands: higher availability, more efficient maintenance, transparent data and close collaboration between operators and component suppliers. This is exactly where digital asset delivery from voestalpine Railway Systems comes into play. The zentrak CUSTOMER PORTAL adds a digital layer to the traditional physical delivery process. Assets are delivered not only physically but also digitally, enabling seamless lifecycle tracking.

The number of trains is constantly increasing — a trend that is set to continue. The question is: How can I create a highly available and robust overall system that does not require constant intervention? How does voestalpine Railway Systems use its track systems to not only keep up with growing demands but also stay one step ahead. Lukas Prettner, Head of Research and Development Track Systems, provides a comprehensive overview. 

Rail transport places the highest demands on safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. How do we meet these requirements? In our current interview series, six system experts from voestalpine Railway Systems provide insights into the various components of modern track systems — from rails, fastening systems, and sleepers to digital solutions and life cycle assessment. 

Every year, an average of 500 turnouts need to be replaced in Austria—and currently up to 1,500 on the German market. The conventional method often involves transporting the individual turnout components to the assembly site, where they are then put together. However, this often takes place under difficult conditions. In order to guarantee longer usability of the tracks and enable shorter turnout closures, voestalpine Railway Systems has completely switched to pre-assembled turnouts.

Increasing traffic on Europe's rail networks is posing major challenges for rail operators: high utilization, limited construction time windows, and the need to maintain rail operations with as few restrictions as possible. This is exactly where voestalpine Railway Systems' turnout logistics come into play.

With a steadily growing fleet of currently 45 turnout transport wagons, voestalpine Railway Systems operates the largest turnout transport fleet in Europe — making it the leading provider of logistics services for completely pre-assembled turnout systems.

More traffic on existing railway lines and ever shorter maintenance windows: Operators are facing growing challenges in ensuring safety, availability, and efficiency in the long term, while at the same time dealing with increasingly complex systems. The zentrak Object Controller Point from voestalpine Railway Systems is a certified tool that drives the digitalization of railway infrastructure and simplifies monitoring. It is certified by TÜV SÜD in Braunschweig in accordance with SIL4, based on EULYNX Baseline 4.3.

The railway sector is undergoing change, and the demands placed on modern railway infrastructure are growing rapidly: Higher availability, maximized safety, and efficient use of resources are now key success factors. At the same time, the complexity of networks worldwide is increasing. For voestalpine Railway Systems, one thing is clear: The future of rail lies in intelligent, digital ecosystems. 

voestalpine Railway Systems is proud to be a founding member of EU Rail FA3, a major European research and innovation initiative aimed at making rail transport the most sustainable, cost-efficient, and competitive mode of transportation across the continent. The project focuses on creating a single European rail market through advanced technologies, interoperability, and digitalization.