CEF II Transport Call 2023

Acronym: 23-EU-TG-DCM IMP 24-27

Project Summary

The joint project "Digital Capacity Management – Implementation 2024-2027 [DCM IMP 24_27]" continues the Europe-wide implementation of the "TTR for Smart Capacity Management" programme, originally launched in 2014. The programme aims to boost the attractiveness and efficiency of international rail transport by removing interoperability barriers, thereby enhancing rail’s competitiveness and market share within the European transport market. 

The effects of the project are expected to be transformative. It will revolutionise the timetabling process, which has remained largely unchanged for the past 60 years. By shifting from a national, annual, and manual process to an interoperable, digital (automated), and flexible European system, the sector is taking proactive steps toward modernisation. This new European IT architecture will integrate national IT systems, providing a unified view of the rail network. As a result, rail traffic is expected to increase by at least 4%, with improved punctuality. 

The higher quality will be achieved through the implementation of a harmonised European capacity model, more flexible cross-border allocation of train paths, and better EU-wide coordination of maintenance planning to mitigate the effects of Temporary Capacity Restrictions (TCRs). 

Key objectives of the project include: 

• Adjusting Infrastructure Manager (IM) legacy systems to enable cross-border data exchange, facilitating the digitalisation of integrated infrastructure capacity and traffic management. 
• Supporting both IMs and Railway Undertakings (RUs) in ensuring compliance with the TAP/TAF TSI and TSI OPE regulations. 
• Supporting IMs with Traffic Management and Train Performance Management, in line with the Draft REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the use of railway infrastructure capacity in the single European railway area. 
• Supporting rail stakeholders in implementing the agreed activities under the "TTR for Smart Capacity Management" programme. 
• Providing, updating, and enhancing central IT components such as the Temporary Capacity Restrictions Tool (TCR Tool), European Capacity Management Tool (ECMT), and Path Coordination System (PCS – Capacity Broker, CB) to create a unified IT architecture. This includes the redevelopment and fusion of the TCR Tool and ECMT to meet growing market and legal demands.