Tracks, Cities, People – Our Infrastructure Projects
2025 was a year full of movement – and not only on tracks. For Croatia to Karlsruhe to Jena, together with our partners we implemented projects where people come first: passengers who reach their destinations punctually and safely. Colleagues who confidently master new processes. And business partners with whom we work in sync, even when things get tight. By Jens Meinecke
We would like to highlight three particular projects because they challenged us in very different ways – whether by tight schedules, complex modernization phases or the close coordination of many participants. They exemplify how we overcome challenges together and make rail-based infrastructure fit for the future.
Croatia: H715 conquers Zagreb
Via our new business partner MA3X Savjetovanje d.o.o. in Croatia, we were appointed to supply 52 point machines of the H715 series and are now ensuring that Zagreb’s marshalling yards are being modernized – real added value for rail-based transportation and sustainable local mobility. The project proves: with the right team at our side, our highly available machine H715 is very well positioned across borders.
Karlsruhe: renewal in the summer holidays
Karlsruhe transport authority VBK had scheduled 12 different projects – 10 of them at the same time in the summer holidays. Our technical contribution: disassembly and assembly of single and double point controllers, renewal of cable systems, replacement of track switching devices as well as commissioning and compilation of documentation. That all required perfect consultation between us, VBK Karlsruhe and the track construction companies – a major logistical feat, which we mastered together.
Jena: Burgau fit for the future
With the introduction of Stadler’s new TRAMLINK trams, 33 vehicles started operation, offering more comfort, accessibility, space and energy efficiency. The larger dimensions of the vehicles called for reconstruction of Burgau depot, and this successfully followed in 2025. Our HVIP controller detects and directs the vehicles in the depot and makes sure that the trams roll reliably – day after day. The result: a state-of-the-art, efficient depot, which not only optimally supports the new vehicles but also transports 34, 000 passengers safely and comfortably to their destinations every day.
Three further projects undergoingimplementation
From Italian flair to Finnish bridge air to Australian coastal wind: we have chosen three projects from our many international activities to exemplify how creatively and adaptably we work. These three projects are representative of many more which will pick up speed in 2026.
Bergamo: Culture meets rails
In Bergamo, where medieval walls and Italian flair embellish everyday life, the new tram line T2 is taking shape. Soon, state-of-the art Škoda vehicles will roll in the direction of Villa d’Almè – on a line which follows the course of a former railway. A nice idea: yesterday's transportation inspiring tomorrow's mobility.
A modern depot is being built at Petosino to ensure that the operator Tramvie Elettriche Bergamasche (TEB) can reliably run the new connection. Historic cityscape and new mobility solutions go hand in hand in a charming blend of tradition, technology and a touch of Italian ease.
Helsinki: Crown Bridges LRT
HANNING & KAHL is supplying signalling equipment for new Crown Bridges light rail project which will make Helsinki a little faster, more flexible, and more attractive in 2027. The 8 km line starts in up-and-coming Hakaniemi, meanders across three bridges – including the longest bridge in Finland at 1.2 km – and ends in the island district of Laajasalo. Our technology ensures that the trams roll safely on the bridge alongside private transport. Two double track switches also allow traffic to be safely diverted if necessary.
Australia: Gold Coast Light Rail
The third phase of the Gold Coast Light Rail is bringing movement to the coast: from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads, new trams will soon roll along the ca. 6.7 km stretch, planned for June 2026. As in phases 1 and 2 (2014: Gold Coast University Hospital – Broadbeach South, 13 km; 2017: Gold Coast University Hospital – Helensvale, 7.3 km), we continue to rely on the proven combination of point machines, point controllers and HCS communication system. For the first time, there is also a HVIP signalling installation – for smooth, safe tram operations. The new trams are also equipped with our HCS system and ensure that passengers are carried reliably, comfortably, and punctually.