First ARGOS Digital Interlocking System Commissioned in France

The first ARGOS Digital Interlocking System has been officially commissioned on SNCF Réseau’s French national rail network by the HR/EQUANS/SNIC consortium, led by Hitachi Rail.

This milestone marks the beginning of a broader roll-out under the ARGOS programme, initiated by SNCF Réseau to upgrade and digitalise its signalling infrastructure.

The system went live at the Chasse-sur-Rhône site in south-eastern France, following nearly five years of development. The project began in September 2020, when the consortium was selected to deliver the pilot phase of the ARGOS programme.

Christophe Jeanney, GTS Country Director of Hitachi Rail in France said:

Our collaboration with SNCF Réseau has enabled us to pioneer a new generation of Digital Interlocking. This step further strengthens our long-standing and trusted partnership with SNCF Réseau, with which we are supporting the digital transformation of the SNCF Réseau network.

Digital interlocking manages railway signals and points electronically, ensuring trains only proceed when the track ahead is confirmed to be clear. Unlike traditional systems, it reduces reliance on physical cabling and hardware. The transition to digital systems is intended to simplify operations and support improvements in safety, maintenance, and overall efficiency.

The ARGOS programme was launched in 2018 due to the ageing interlocking systems across France. Its objective is to modernise and centralise critical control infrastructure while cutting operational costs and shortening installation times. The system uses a decentralised structure, positioning control units near the trackside equipment to minimise cabling and associated civil works.

According to the consortium, the solution supports SNCF Réseau’s goals of reducing total cost of ownership by 15% and shortening deployment times by around 30%.

With this first commissioning complete, the ARGOS programme moves into its next phase, gradually extending digital interlocking capabilities across the wider French rail network.

Xavier Payet, General Director of SNIC SIGNALISATION said:

SNIC is proud to support the successful commissioning of the first ARGOS Digital Interlocking System, marking a new milestone in our long-standing partnership with Hitachi Rail and our enduring commitment to SNCF Réseau. For over three decades, SNIC has been delivering its expertise in computerised interlocking systems and continues to contribute to the modernisation of railway signalling through innovation, reliability, and operational excellence.