The working group of the UIC Future Railway Operations and Traffic Control Centre (FROTCC) Project, who are seasoned railway operations experts, recently carried out a series of technical visits across key sites in France and Spain. This initiative aimed to foster knowledge sharing while also deepening their understanding of infrastructure and operational practices in various different contexts. The visits included the international Figueres–Perpignan line, the regional operator Catalan Government Railways (FGC), and the construction site of the new La Sagrera station in Barcelona, managed by the Spanish Railway Infrastructure Manager (ADIF).
These field visits offered the group first-hand insight into a wide range of operational environments, from high-speed cross-border corridors to dense urban commuter networks, as well as large-scale infrastructure projects currently under development. Each site presented a unique set of challenges and innovative responses, offering valuable lessons into capacity management, traffic control, and project execution.
The group extended heartfelt thanks to the hosting teams at Ligne Figueres Perpignan (LFP), FGC, and ADIF for their warm hospitality and openness in sharing both their experiences and lessons learned. The degree of transparency and professionalism shown throughout the visits significantly enriched the exchange and was deeply appreciated by all of the participants.
What sets this expert group apart is its experience and collaborative spirit. Discussions were characterised by honesty, depth, and a shared commitment to addresses both the successes and difficulties encountered in real-world operations. The group’s collective experience spans a wide range of rail systems and operational models, enabling a rich and constructive dialogue on current and future challenges facing the sector.
The initiative reflects the group’s ongoing commitment to strengthening operational know-how across borders and learning from best practices in the field. The group has already published a report on these topics, which can be found at Report and benchmarking on the Future Rail Operations Train Control Centre. A second report will also be published in early 2026!
