New Technologies Support Railway Safety and Efficiency

Line maps

Timetables

Changes in routes

Information for passengers

New Technologies Support Railway Safety and Efficiency

Digitalisation and modern IT solutions are playing an increasingly important role in the everyday work of railway professionals, enhancing both train operations and rolling stock maintenance. Adam Wawrzyniak, Member of the Management Board for Operations at PKP Intercity, discusses the role of new technologies and the challenges associated with their implementation.

Digital tools used to display timetables and manage written operational orders reduce the need for extensive paper documentation, allowing employees to focus on their core responsibilities. As Adam Wawrzyniak points out, the digital transformation of the railway sector now extends beyond train operations and increasingly includes rolling stock maintenance, where a growing number of processes are carried out entirely in digital environments.

At the same time, he emphasises that implementing new technologies requires careful planning and preparation.

“It is very easy to get caught up in the rush towards modernisation and introduce a solution that appears innovative but ultimately makes work more difficult,” he notes.

He adds that every change should be preceded by analysis and consultations with end users, such as train drivers, inspectors and traffic controllers. Their practical experience and understanding of day-to-day operations are essential for creating tools that genuinely meet employees’ needs.

Adam Wawrzyniak also highlights the importance of the European Train Control System (ETCS), which is intended to improve safety and enhance the efficiency of rail transport across Europe. He notes that its implementation is a demanding process faced not only by Polish railway operators but also by rail companies throughout Europe.

PKP Intercity is actively involved in this transition, cooperating with international partners and sharing its experience to help ensure that the implementation of ETCS proceeds smoothly and delivers the expected benefits for the entire European railway sector.