How ETCS is Transforming Railway Operations – and the Role of the KMC

The key takeaways

• The European Train Control System (ETCS) replaces national solutions with a unified, digital train control system across Europe.
• The Key Management Center (KMC) ensures secure data exchange between trains and infrastructure.
• On behalf of ÖBB, Evolit has modernized the KMC and enabled cross-European interoperability.
• As part of ETCS Level 2, the KMC forms the foundation for automated rail operations.

European rail transport is undergoing a fundamental transformation: moving away from fragmented national systems towards a harmonized digital solution that puts safety, efficiency, and interoperability at its core. At the heart of this shift lies the European Train Control System (ETCS).

What might sound like just another IT system is, in fact, a milestone for cross-border railway operations – and a cornerstone of automation. A key building block within this system is the Key Management Center (KMC), developed by Evolit for ÖBB Infrastruktur AG.

But let’s start at the beginning.

European Train Control System: The Backbone of Digital Rail

ETCS is a standardized train control system across Europe. It replaces diverse national systems with a unified solution that enhances safety, transparency, and automation.

The core idea: transmitting driving data directly to the cab and continuously monitoring train movements – including automatic braking if a train enters an unauthorized section.

The system is structured into different implementation levels.

Level 0

The train is ETCS-equipped but runs on non-ETCS lines – the national train protection system remains active.

Level 1

Communication occurs via trackside balises; conventional signals remain in place while ETCS supports train monitoring.

Level 2

Driving data is continuously transmitted via GSM-R radio between the train and the Radio Block Center (RBC), making most physical signals redundant.

Level 3

Trains autonomously report their position and integrity, eliminating the need for traditional track-release detection – still in pilot or concept stage.

In Austria, ETCS Level 2 is primarily in use. In this mode, conventional signals are largely obsolete. Instead, communication takes place via radio between the train’s On-Board Unit (OBU) and the centralized Radio Block Center (RBC).

The railway is divided into block sections, each of which may only be entered once cleared by the preceding train. This information is transmitted to the driver – in real time.

Level 2 is therefore not only safer but also more efficient: shorter headways, higher line capacity, and reduced dependence on physical infrastructure such as signals.

The Key Management Center

As powerful and connected as ETCS may be, secure communication is essential. This is where the Key Management Center (KMC) plays a pivotal role.

The KMC manages cryptographic keys that enable encrypted communication between the train (OBU) and the control center (RBC). Each ETCS L2 line requires unique key distribution – for every participating train.

On behalf of ÖBB Infrastruktur AG, Evolit has completely redesigned the existing KMC and aligned it with the latest European specifications – in particular through the integration of the standardized online interface according to Subset-137. This relies on proven security protocols such as TLS, X.509 certificates, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) and includes mechanisms like certificate validation (OCSP) and revocation lists (CRLs).

The result: fast, secure, and interoperable key distribution – not only within Austria, but also across European borders.

Evolit’s KMC also supports key exchange with other European KMCs – another step toward seamless cross-border rail mobility.

Digitizing Railway Operations

This is no longer just a vision of the future: in Austria, more than 300 kilometers of track are already equipped with ETCS Level 2, supplied with keys by the new KMC.

Roll-out is also progressing rapidly across Europe: countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Bulgaria are continuously expanding their networks. The goal: a fully harmonized digital railway system across borders.

Security and Future-readiness through Digital Sovereignty

ETCS not only creates a unified European railway area but also lays the technological foundation for future developments such as autonomous rail operations. The prerequisites: highly available, secure, and standardized systems – both in rolling stock and infrastructure.

The KMC is a cornerstone of this progress. With its solution, Evolit makes a vital contribution to digital sovereignty in the railway sector – nationally and internationally.