UIC hosted an international conference on advanced overhead contact line solutions, organised alongside SNCF RESEAU, GEISMAR, NOVIUM, TSO CATENAIRES and COLAS RAIL. This event brought together experts from the rail sector to share and debate pioneering technical innovations for ageing rail infrastructure.

“With the rapid catenary renewal trains, we are boldly stepping forward in a move that combines both industrial vision and French excellence to serve our rail network. In response to the challenges of a vast and ageing system, SNCF Réseau and its partners have designed an innovative, high-performance solution capable of transforming the pace and very fabric of catenary renewal. Thanks to this new generation factory train, work is carried out six times faster and at a lower cost, while ensuring that the tracks are reopened to traffic immediately. This industrial approach, inspired by rapid track renewal machinery, embodies the ingenuity and know-how of the French rail industry, creating unprecedented opportunities to develop a more resilient, higher-performance network serving the transport needs of tomorrow.” Matthieu Chabanel, CEO de SNCF Réseau, says in relation to this event.

Among the key messages of the day:

• Transformation through innovation and industrialisation: thanks to these rapid catenary renewal trains, France is positioning itself as a world leader in rail infrastructure renewal. This innovative hardware makes it possible to replace overhead contact lines between four and six times faster and at half of the cost compared to traditional methods.
• A strategic partnership: this exemplary project is based on a close partnership between SNCF Réseau and the main stakeholders in the sector: GEISMAR, NOVIUM, TSO CATENAIRES and COLAS RAIL. Together, they have created a custom “factory train”, incorporating advanced technology, to offer a rapid solution which can be adapted to different rail networks.
• Concrete, measurable results: the renewal trains have achieved record productivity, with an annual renewal capacity of 200 to 250 km for 25 kV lines and 100 to 150 km for 1.5 kV lines. This performance also translates into a substantial reduction in the carbon footprint and environmental impact of the work carried out.
• An exportable model: the conference marks the start of a drive to export this innovative method, as it is adapted to international infrastructure. Participants are invited to explore the possibilities of integrating this solution into their own networks to improve the efficiency, safety and sustainability of their own renewal work.
• Towards having more resilient rail infrastructure: as rail infrastructure becomes older, it becomes imperative to quickly and cost-effectively modernise overhead contact line systems, without disrupting operations. Rapid catenary renewal technology meets these challenges, ensuring the resilience and competitiveness of rail networks.

A film explaining the interest of this innovation is available here:
English version: https://youtu.be/ZC0tT2XYzZc
English version with English subtitles: https://youtu.be/HWq6ZHk-yg0
English version with French subtitles https://youtu.be/EEFB-30urLk

ABOUT US

SNCF RESEAU
In order to respond to growing transport demands and develop the railways for a transition towards eco-friendly travel, SNCF Réseau is developing services for the freight and passenger sectors on the 28,000 kilometres of line it maintains, modernises and ensures the security of. As network manager, it markets and guarantees neutral and fair access to its infrastructure. As a partner to public authorities, regional authorities and railway undertakings, SNCF Réseau’s top priority is customer satisfaction. A limited company of the SNCF Group, the company has more than 50,000 employees, with a turnover of almost 7.6 billion euros in 2023. www.sncf-reseau.com

COLAS RAIL
A subsidiary of the COLAS Group, COLAS RAIL specialises in rail infrastructure, offering a full range of services from designing to maintaining rail systems, including the installation of overhead contact line systems and electrification. Colas Rail

GEISMAR
Founded in Colmar in 1924, GEISMAR is one of the world’s leading providers of solutions for the installation, maintenance and checks of railway tracks and overhead contact lines. As rail specialists, they work across more than 120 countries, supported by 13 subsidiaries, 5 factories and a network of personnel. With over 100 years of expertise under their belts, their design offices have unique know-how, enabling them to provide solutions tailored to all types of rail network, whether urban, conventional, high-speed or industrial transport. Their strong bearing on an international level reflects the diversity of their employees’ backgrounds, cultures and experience. They strive for excellence and aim to play their part in expanding rail transport worldwide, developing technological solutions and services that will help to improve tomorrow’s mobility, while preserving humanity’s most precious resource: our planet. Geismar

NOVIUM
Since 2005, NOVIUM, a specialist in machinery for rail, public and defence work, has been designing, building and maintaining reliable, innovative machines, with safety being an absolute priority. With 103 employees and projected sales of €19 million in 2024, the company is committed to improving the mobility and safety of rail infrastructure. www.novium.fr

TSO CATENAIRES
Capitalising on more than 95 years’ experience in France and abroad, TSO provides expertise in all areas of railway work and systems (track construction, renewal and maintenance, electrification and catenary upgrades, topography and railway software development, rail safety, and so on). With a focus on innovation, TSO develops improvements that combine quality, service efficiency and safety across the board. The synergism between TSO’s work and NGE’s complementary enterprises enables the Group to offer a comprehensive range of services. TSO