The research will focus on automated driving on standard railway tracks, ecological driving, especially with hybrid power units, and mobility technologies for market launch.

The Chemnitz University of Technology and Deutsche Bahn AG plan to use federal funding to test technologies for digitizing and automating rail transport under real conditions. The “Digital Test Field Railway” is to be set up along the route operated by the Erzgebirge Railway between Annaberg-Buchholz and Schwarzenberg.

Federal Minister Andreas Scheuer: “We want to convince people more and more of the train. That is only possible with more digitization – on the train and on the route. In the Ore Mountains we want to research and test these technologies: from digital control and safety technology to Measures for better reception. ” Deutsche Bahn 5G

Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer: “I am pleased with the commitment and support of the federal government for this unique and ambitious project. Here in Annaberg-Buchholz it is all about practical research on the mobility and rail travel of the future. The joint commitment of all those involved does not strengthen only Germany as a location for innovation, it also advances the Erzgebirge economic region and the whole of Saxony. ” Kretschmer pointed out that the state government has long been committed to the research project. In connection with this, he announced that the Free State will finance the position of a coordinator who supports the Chemnitz University of Technology in the planning, control and implementation of the local research infrastructure.

DB Infrastructure Director Ronald Pofalla: »The digital future of rail has already started in the Ore Mountains. The first digital signal box in Annaberg-Buchholz has been operating reliably in Europe since 2018. Now we are expanding the test field and are working intensively on the use of the 5G mobile radio standard for rail operations. «

Rolf Schmidt, Mayor of the City of Annaberg-Buchholz: »We are very happy that the federal government and the state of Saxony support the common idea of ​​the city of Annaberg-Buchholz and the TU Chemnitz for research in rural areas. The campus project aims to develop both our city of Annaberg-Buchholz and the Ore Mountains into a leading location for research into new rail technologies. This project will be an effective impetus for the implementation of sustainable structural change in our region. «

Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier, Rector of the Chemnitz University of Technology: »We are extremely pleased to be able to carry out top-level research for the highly automated and sustainable rail transport of the future on a unique test track in the Ore Mountains with the support of the federal and state governments and in close cooperation with the city of Annaberg-Buchholz. «

Deutsche Bahn (DB) opened its fiber optic network along the rails last year in December. Telecommunications providers can now use free dark fiber capacities of DB data lines throughout Germany. DB’s own fiber optic network extends parallel to the rail network over 18,500 km across Germany to the remotest train stations. It offers municipalities and traders the chance of a modern fiber optic supply at all locations.  Deutsche Bahn 5G