Plan for 30% more trains through central Brussels

The number of trains running between Brussels' north and south stations could be increased by almost a third under new plans to invest in better signalling software.

Belgium's federal transport minister Jacqueline Galant said the technology could provide a cheaper alternative to digging new tunnels and has the backing of the chief executive of the Belgian rail operator SNCB.

In an interview for La Libre Belgique, Galant said the SNCB and railtrack operator Infrabel were keen to put the project out to a public tender as soon as possible. Preliminary meetings have already been held with some possible suppliers.

A previous proposal to dig more railway tunnels under central Brussels came with an estimated €8bn price tag and would have involved years of adminstrative formalities and construction work.

The new software would automate some of the train driver's role between the Gare du Midi and the Gare du Nord, ensuring trains run as efficiently as possible with the shortest possible gap between them.

Galant said the technology could increase capacity on the satured north-south stretch by between 25% and 30%.

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