BS EN 16494:2025 - Railway Applications: Requirements for ERTMS Trackside Boards

Introducing the BS EN 16494:2025, a comprehensive standard that sets the benchmark for the design, implementation, and maintenance of ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) Trackside Boards. Released on April 23, 2025, this standard is an essential resource for professionals in the railway industry, ensuring safety, efficiency, and interoperability across European rail networks.

Overview

The BS EN 16494:2025 standard is a pivotal document that outlines the requirements for ERTMS Trackside Boards, which are critical components in modern railway systems. These boards play a vital role in the communication between the train and the trackside equipment, facilitating seamless and safe train operations.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS EN 16494:2025
• Pages: 38
• Release Date: April 23, 2025
• ISBN: 978 0 539 16829 7
• Status: Standard

Why Choose BS EN 16494:2025?

The BS EN 16494:2025 standard is designed to meet the evolving needs of the railway industry, providing a robust framework for the deployment of ERTMS Trackside Boards. Here are some reasons why this standard is indispensable:

1. Enhanced Safety

Safety is paramount in railway operations, and the BS EN 16494:2025 standard ensures that ERTMS Trackside Boards are designed and implemented to the highest safety standards. This reduces the risk of accidents and enhances the overall safety of rail transport.

2. Improved Efficiency

By standardizing the requirements for ERTMS Trackside Boards, this document helps streamline operations, reduce delays, and improve the efficiency of rail networks. It ensures that all components work harmoniously, leading to smoother and more reliable train services.

3. Interoperability

One of the key benefits of the BS EN 16494:2025 standard is its focus on interoperability. It ensures that ERTMS Trackside Boards are compatible with various systems across different countries, facilitating cross-border rail operations and enhancing the connectivity of European rail networks.

4. Comprehensive Guidance

With 38 pages of detailed guidelines, the BS EN 16494:2025 standard provides comprehensive instructions on the design, installation, and maintenance of ERTMS Trackside Boards. This ensures that all stakeholders have access to the information they need to implement these systems effectively.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 16494:2025 standard is an invaluable resource for a wide range of professionals in the railway industry, including:

• Railway Engineers
• System Integrators
• Project Managers
• Safety Officers
• Regulatory Authorities

Conclusion

In conclusion, the BS EN 16494:2025 standard is a critical document for anyone involved in the design, implementation, and maintenance of ERTMS Trackside Boards. Its comprehensive guidelines ensure that these systems are safe, efficient, and interoperable, contributing to the overall improvement of railway operations across Europe.

Whether you are a railway engineer, a project manager, or a regulatory authority, the BS EN 16494:2025 standard provides the essential information you need to ensure the successful deployment of ERTMS Trackside Boards. Embrace this standard to enhance the safety, efficiency, and connectivity of your rail network.

BS EN 16494:2025

This standard BS EN 16494:2025 Railway applications. Requirements for ERTMS Trackside Boards is classified in these ICS categories:

• 33.070.50 Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)
• 03.220.30 Transport by rail

This document is applicable to the heavy rail system. This document defines the requirements for the provision, visibility, readability, maintenance and testing of a specific set of ERTMS trackside boards associated with the following DMI and ETCS track conditions: — ETCS stop marker — ETCS location marker — level transition, corresponding to transitions between ETCS levels — lower pantograph — pantograph lowered — raise pantograph — neutral section announcement — neutral section — end of neutral section — GSM-R network border marker — no traction system fitted announcement — no traction system fitted indication — traction system AC 25 kV 50 Hz announcement — traction system AC 25 kV 50 Hz indication — traction system AC 15 kV 16,7 Hz announcement — traction system AC 15 kV 16,7 Hz indication — traction system DC 3 kV announcement — traction system DC 3 kV indication — traction system DC 1,5 kV announcement — traction system DC 1,5 kV indication — traction system DC 600/750 V announcement — traction system DC 600/750 V indication — activate the audible warning device (horn) indication — safe stopping area announcement — safe stopping area indication for start — safe stopping area indication for end — inhibition of brake announcement/indication for start/indication for revocation — level crossing marker NOTE 1 the brake MBs apply for any of the three brake types (eddy current, magnetic shoe, regenerative), whereas the exact type concerned would be known by the driver via existing Route knowledge. The following ETCS track conditions are outside the scope of this Standard: — Safe stopping area semi-continuous indication for in-between — Non-stopping area announcement — Non-stopping area announcement — Non stopping area indication for start — Non stopping area indication for end — Non stopping area semi-continuous indication for in-between — Close air conditioning intake announcement — Close air conditioning intake indication — Open air conditioning intake announcement — Open air conditioning intake indication This document includes the arrangement of the boards and their interface with existing systems (track, cab design including cab sight lines, visibility by the driver and train head lamps). Mobile, backlit and temporary signs are not within the scope of this document. The application of ERTMS trackside boards is not within the scope of this document. Sighting requirements are not within the scope of this document. The sighting process needs to be implemented in accordance with national rules.