05/22/2025
For quieter streetcars and light rail in Düsseldorf
Rheinbahn invests in modern rail grinding
With a state-of-the-art rail grinding machine, Rheinbahn aims to enhance the riding comfort of streetcars and light rail in Düsseldorf, Germany, while simultaneously reducing noise pollution for local residents. A machine of the type HSG-city from the railway technology company Vossloh will be used for this purpose. The purchase was announced by Rheinbahn and Vossloh on Thursday at the International Exhibition for Track Technology, iaf, in Münster. The new vehicle is expected to be put into service by the company after an extensive testing phase, likely starting in the summer.
HSG stands for High Speed Grinding. The technology developed by Vossloh allows for the grinding machine to be used while the service is running, thus avoiding the need for track closures.
Grinding reduces rail corrugation and other wear damage. This increases the lifespan of the rails, improves the running characteristics of the trains, and reduces operating noise by up to 10 dB. The perceived volume is therefore halved.
Rheinbahn had already purchased the prototype of the HSG-city for its network in 2014. Based on these experiences, Vossloh continuously improved the model. The HSG-city is now in operation around the globe.
“With the new HSG-city, we will achieve noticeable improvements for local residents and our passengers,” says Andreas Ferlic, interim head of the infrastructure department at Rheinbahn. “It is important to us that rail maintenance can be performed during operation and does not require track closures,” adds project manager Andreas Busch. This means there are no restrictions for passengers.
“Rheinbahn has been an innovative pioneer of our new technology,” says Oliver Schuster, CEO of Vossloh. “We appreciate the renewed trust and look forward to further collaborative efforts.”
Contact
Ivo Banek
E-Mail:
presse@vossloh.com
Phone: +49 (0) 2392 52-609