Munich Pilot Signals Rail’s Automation Shift

Deutsche Bahn and Alstom test remote depot driving in Munich, aiming to boost efficiency and modernize rail operations

11 Feb 2026

Deutsche Bahn has begun testing remote-controlled train movements at a depot in Munich, in partnership with French manufacturer Alstom, as part of a broader push to digitise rail operations and improve efficiency.

The pilot focuses on depot operations rather than mainline services. Instead of sitting in the driver’s cab, operators guide trains from a remote control station. Commands and data are transmitted through a dedicated 5G network, designed to provide stable and high-bandwidth communication. Live video feeds and sensor data are displayed on screens that replicate the layout of traditional driving controls.

The project targets routine depot tasks such as shunting, repositioning trains for cleaning and moving carriages into maintenance bays. These activities, while less visible to passengers, are central to daily operations in dense commuter networks where turnaround times are tight.

Rail operators across Europe are facing staff shortages and rising costs. By centralising control, Deutsche Bahn aims to allow a single operator to oversee several movements, improving flexibility and enabling other personnel to focus on safety-critical duties. The company expects gains in operational efficiency and higher fleet availability, both of which influence service reliability.

The Munich trial forms part of Deutsche Bahn’s wider digital strategy. Alstom said the system has been designed to integrate with existing rolling stock, reducing the need for new trains. Such a retrofit approach could limit capital expenditure and make wider adoption more feasible for operators under budget pressure.

Regulatory approval and safety certification remain key steps. The system will require extensive validation before broader deployment, and cybersecurity safeguards will be scrutinised. Staff training will also be needed as job roles adapt to more centralised and technology-driven operations.

If the pilot meets performance and safety targets, Deutsche Bahn is expected to consider extending the technology to other depots. The results will be watched closely by rail operators seeking incremental gains in productivity rather than full automation of passenger services.