Program

The given Program is subject to changes.

A mini course on railway transport will be offered optionally to young researchers and other interested participants on April 1st, 2025.

Technical Visits

The second conference day includes a technical visit. Participants can choose one of the following excusions:

Technical Visit 1: DB InfraGO - Operation centre, Leipzig

Bus transfer: 90 minutes, one-way
On-site visit: 120 minutes
Capacity: 20 participants

The Leipzig Operations Center is one of the largest of its kind within Deutsche Bahn and plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of rail traffic in its region. Important responsibilities are focused on the management and safety of rail traffic:

Traffic Management and Safety: Control, safety, and scheduling of rail operations in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, and parts of Brandenburg. This involves the automated and centralized management of signals, switches, and overall train traffic.
Emergency Management: Coordinate all relevant institutions, such as fire departments, police, and technical relief organizations, to respond quickly to disruptions.
Scheduling: Scheduling of trains in long-distance, regional, and freight transport. In case of disruptions in operations, they ensure that the timetable is restored as quickly as possible.
Training and Education: Simulation facility for training employees on electronic interlockings (ESTW).
Technical Monitoring: Monitoring the overhead line network in the Southeast region of DB InfraGO, which spans approximately 6,000 kilometers.

Technical Visit 2: DB InfraGO – New railway line Dresden - Prague, Heidenau

Transfer: 30 minutes, one-way, with S-Bahn
On-site visit: 90 minutes
Capacity: 30 participants

The Dresden-Prague New Railway Line is an ambitious infrastructure project to revolutionize transportation between these two historic Central European cities. The planned route spans approximately 150 kilometers, with about 53 kilometers designated as a new track. The most significant engineering challenge is the Ore Mountains Tunnel (Erzgebirgstunnel), which will become Germany's longest railway tunnel at 30.4 kilometers, stretching from Heidenau in Germany to Ústí nad Labem in the Czech Republic.

Technical Visit 3: CargoBeamer – Test terminal, Leipzig

Bus transfer: 80 minutes, one-way
On-site visit: 120 minutes
Capacity: 30 participants

The CargoBeamer test terminal in Leipzig is pivotal in developing innovative freight transport solutions. Established as part of the initial testing phase, this terminal facilitates the horizontal loading and unloading of semi-trailers onto trains, significantly enhancing efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The Leipzig terminal supports the seamless transfer of non-craneable trailers, utilizing specialized pallets that allow easy loading onto flatcars. This facility is integral to CargoBeamer's mission to shift freight traffic from road to rail, contributing to more sustainable logistics practices across Europe.

Technical Visit 4: RailMaint – Maintenance site, Delitzsch or Leipzig

Bus transfer: 80 minutes, one-way
On-site visit: 120 minutes
Capacity: 30 participants

The RailMaint site in Delitzsch is a key facility specializing in maintaining and refurbishing rail vehicles, including passenger and freight trains. This site has a rich history spanning over 100 years and is strategically positioned along the Leipzig–Berlin railway line. It features extensive infrastructure, including 16.5 km of track and two production halls with advanced equipment for comprehensive vehicle servicing. The facility offers various services such as vehicle overhauls, modernization, damage analysis, and preventive maintenance, ensuring safe and efficient rail operations.

Technical Visit 5: TU Dresden – Railway Operations and Railway Signalling Laboratories, Dresden

No Transfer
On-site visit: 120 minutes
Capacity: 50 participants

The Railway Operations Laboratory (EBL) is one of Europe's most advanced railway laboratories, blending teaching and research in a cutting-edge environment. This state-of-the-art railway test facility combines a real model railway system with original signal boxes, PC-supported simulations of railway networks, and the BEST operations and interlocking simulator. It supports hands-on training for students in transport engineering and railway system engineering, professional development for industry specialists, and innovative research in railway operations, control, and safety technology.

The Railway Signalling Laboratory showcases a comprehensive rail safety and signaling technology collection. The lab features original exhibits, including ETCS and PZB test stands, interlocking systems, track switch systems, and historical level-crossing technology. Additionally, it includes advanced train detection devices, track circuit analysis units, and a working model of electro-mechanical interlocking technology, providing a hands-on learning environment for railway signaling and safety systems.

Technical Visit 6: Alstom Transportation – Production site, Bautzen

Bus transfer: 75 minutes, one-way
On-site visit: 90 minutes
Capacity: 40 participants

The Alstom site in Bautzen is a key facility for the assembly and commissioning of rail vehicles. Located in Bautzen, this site serves as a competence center within Alstom's global network. It specializes in producing and testing trams and regional trains for both domestic and international markets.