Global Connections for Local Safety
Advancing Rail Safety in Canada: ZÖLLNER Joins Delegation Visit
From November 3 to 7, 2025, ZÖLLNER joined a German business delegation to Canada, supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWE). Organized by Commit Project Partners GmbH in collaboration with the German Chamber of Commerce in Canada (AHK Canada) and the German Railway Industry Association (VDB), the trip provided German companies with direct insights into Canada’s rapidly evolving rail sector and fostered exchange with Canadian partners.
Working Together: A Focus on Safety
Canada’s Rail Sector on the Move
Canada is investing heavily in its transportation infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing population and rising mobility needs. Modernization and efficiency are at the heart of this transformation, with Ontario and Québec leading major expansion projects. Among them, the High-Frequency Rail Project (HFR) stands out: a modern high-speed line of approximately 1,000 kilometers between Québec and Toronto, featuring electrified tracks, advanced signaling, and state-of-the-art trains.
Safety as the Foundation of Progress
ZÖLLNER’s contribution to Canada’s mobility revolution lies in its SIL4-certified early warning systems (Automatic Track Warning Systems ATWS), which enable secure and efficient work on railway infrastructure — even during ongoing train operations. By ensuring that modernization goes hand in hand with safety, ZÖLLNER supports Canada’s vision of a future-ready, resilient rail network.
A Joint Effort: Commitment to Innovation and Safety
ZÖLLNER’s participation in this delegation trip highlights our dedication to advancing safety as a cornerstone of global rail innovation. As Canada reshapes its rail landscape, we are proud to contribute solutions that make mobility not only faster and more efficient, but above all safer for workers.
Yet, innovation in rail is never the achievement of a single player — it is the result of many committed partners working together toward a shared vision. We consider it a privilege to have engaged in meaningful conversations, exchanging ideas and brainstorming alongside such invested colleagues. Collaboration is the key to building a safer, smarter future for rail.
The ZÖLLNER Mission: Protecting People with State‑of‑the‑Art Technology
Scalable Soltuions for any Worksite
At ZÖLLNER, it is our goal to protect everyone working on or near the tracks. Whether it’s routine maintenance, everyday worksites, or large‑scale, complex projects, we are dedicated to developing and delivering innovative safety solutions that ensure people in the right of way can carry out their work securely and efficiently.
To meet the diverse demands of the varying track worksites, our solutions are scalable and can be easily adapted to any environment.
The ZÖLLNER Mobile Radio Warning System MRWS
Our state-of-the-art Automatic Track Warning System (ATWS) is based on a simple principle:
- A rail vehicle is detected,
- the warning signal is emitted immediately,
- the worksite is cleared safely before the train passes through.
No room for human error, no communication mishaps, no failed systems and no time lost!
Read more about our Warning Systems here or watch the video below to see how the system can help keep people safe!
How the ZÖLLNER MRWS is Keeping Track Workers Safe in Canada Right Now
In Canada, train crews must report arrivals to the protecting foreman, who relays the message down to subforemen and workers. Once cleared, the chain of communication reverses until the train receives the all‑clear. While effective, this multi‑step process carries a high risk of human error.
The ZÖLLNER Mobile Radaio Warning System MRWS adds an automated safeguard. A track sensor behind the stop flag detects the train and transmits the signal to the control unit, which issues warnings across connected devices. Collective warning units ensure all workers are alerted — preventing dangerous situations if communication breaks down.
By reducing reliance on human action, the MRWS creates a safer, more efficient work environment.