Siemens Unveils Revolutionary Signalling X for Metros in Live Demonstration at Singapore’s Rail Test Centre
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Siemens introduces Signalling X system for metros at Singapore's Rail Test Centre, integrating safety-critical systems into a single, cloud-ready platform.

On November 12, 2025, Siemens Mobility conducted the first live demonstration of its innovative Signalling X system for metro operations at Singapore’s newly established Rail Test Centre. The demonstration, which showcased an automated metro train, marks a significant step forward in the digitalisation of railway signalling systems.

A New Era in Railway Signalling

The Signalling X system is designed to integrate safety-critical functions like interlockings and Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) into a unified platform that operates on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware. This advanced system builds on the success of CBTC, a technology Siemens has successfully implemented across various metro systems, and it represents a major leap forward in digital signalling for mass transit.

According to Marc Ludwig, CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, Signalling X is a game-changer in signalling technology. “Signalling X brings together various signalling systems, expanding capabilities through open interfaces. It allows us to consolidate multiple apps onto one system, running on two independent, redundant data centres, with a single cloud platform for an entire city or even a country,” he explained.

Building on Success in Mainline Rail

Before the metro-specific demonstration, Siemens had already rolled out Signalling X for mainline railways, beginning with installations in Austria and followed by Barcelona, Spain and Finland. The system has already proven its reliability in these applications, and Siemens is now adapting it for use in metro environments, where flexibility, cost efficiency, and 24/7 operations are crucial.

“Signalling X has already demonstrated its reliability in mainline applications, and now we are extending its benefits to metro systems,” said Ludwig.

Centralising Critical Functions

One of the key innovations of Signalling X is the centralisation of safety-critical functions such as interlocking and train control systems, including Automatic Train Operation (ATO), Automatic Train Supervision (ATS), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). These systems are integrated into a cloud-ready signalling data centre, which runs on SIL 4 COTS hardware. The platform also features Siemens Distributed Smart Safe System (DS3), introduced in 2020, to ensure safety and efficiency across all operations.

Another major advancement is the integration of CoreShield, Siemens’ cybersecurity solution, which protects the system from potential vulnerabilities.

Cost and Space Savings

Signalling X is expected to bring significant cost savings and operational benefits. Siemens claims that the system will eliminate all trackside interlockings, replacing them with smart controllers that communicate via radio or Wi-Fi rather than traditional cables. This change is projected to reduce capital costs by 15% and shrink hardware space requirements by up to 80%. For instance, four large cabinets used in traditional signalling systems can now be replaced by a single unit.

Transforming Metro Operations

One of the most exciting promises of Signalling X is its ability to facilitate 24/7 metro operations. The system’s flexibility, powered by open interfaces and cloud capabilities, will make it easier for metro networks to run continuously, improving service availability and operational efficiency.

Jan Philipp Steinbach, Head of MT Development at Siemens Mobility, described the shift as “a fundamental change in signalling for mass transit.” He added, “Proprietary hardware has a lot of drawbacks. It’s expensive to install and maintain and severely limits flexibility. Signalling X solves these issues by enabling a more cost-effective and flexible approach to mass transit signalling.”

The Future of Metro and Rail Signalling

With Signalling X, Siemens is setting a new benchmark in metro and rail signalling technology. By leveraging cloud-based systems and COTS hardware, Siemens is not only improving safety and reliability but also driving down operational costs. As cities around the world look for ways to modernise their metro systems while improving service delivery and cutting costs, Signalling X offers a scalable and efficient solution.

This live demonstration in Singapore is just the beginning. Siemens plans to continue rolling out Signalling X globally, helping cities create smarter, safer, and more efficient metro systems that can handle the growing demands of urban populations.

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