Railway digitization is the process of implementing modern IT technologies that improve the management of transport, rolling stock, and infrastructure. It includes, among other things, systems for route planning, train notification, rolling stock maintenance (ECM), as well as mobile solutions for train drivers, inspectors, and siding employees.
In 2025, digitization is becoming not just a trend, but a necessity. European Union requirements for safety, interoperability, and reporting are forcing carriers to invest in railway software.
Why is 2025 a landmark year for the railway industry?
New EU regulations and standards
The European Union is consistently raising its requirements for rail carriers. New standards are being introduced concerning:
- the obligation to have an ECM (Entity in Charge of Maintenance) system,
- electronic management of technical documentation and employee certificates,
- reporting incidents and accidents in systems that comply with safety requirements.
The development of IT and IoT technologies
The digitization of railways is based on technologies that have developed rapidly in recent years:
- IoT (Internet of Things) – sensors in locomotives and wagons that transmit real-time data on technical condition,
- AI and predictive maintenance – systems that predict failures before they occur
- Cloud computing – access to data from anywhere, integration of multiple carriers’ systems.
Key challenges for rail carriers
Costs of investing in new systems
Digitization requires significant financial outlays. ERP, ECM, and dispatch systems are long-term investments. Implementation involves costs related to licenses, integration, and training.
Integration with legacy infrastructure
Many railway companies still use outdated systems or paper documentation. Connecting them to modern software can be difficult and requires specialized integration.
Opportunities and benefits of digitization
Increasing efficiency and safety
Modern systems enable better planning of train traffic and management of rolling stock and sidings. This means fewer errors, fewer delays, and greater safety for passengers and goods.
Optimization of operating costs
Thanks to predictive maintenance and process automation, carriers can significantly reduce costs. Example: instead of replacing parts in the fleet “as a spare,” the system prompts when they actually need servicing.
Examples of implementations in Europe
- Germany – Deutsche Bahn is investing in digital dispatching and fleet management systems, which will reduce response times to breakdowns.
- France – SNCF uses predictive maintenance solutions, which have reduced the number of rolling stock failures by over 30%.
Summary and forecasts until 2030
The digitization of railways in 2025 is not a choice, but a necessity. Carriers who invest in modern railway software will gain a competitive advantage:
- reduce costs,
- improve safety,
- meet regulatory requirements.
Forecasts for 2030 indicate that rail will become one of the most digitized modes of transport, on a par with aviation and road logistics.
