In 2024, Belgium’s main rail network saw a slight reduction in the number of trains passing through red signals, with 51 such incidents reported across a network covering approximately 100 million kilometres, according to Infrabel, the country’s national rail infrastructure manager.
This marks a 5.5% drop from the previous year, when 54 violations were recorded. Despite the decrease, none of these violations resulted in accidents, reflecting improvements in both technology and safety protocols.
Infrabel clarified that passing through a red signal does not always lead to immediate danger, as it depends on the train’s proximity to potential intersections with other tracks.
While violations of this nature can be risky, Infrabel’s data shows that the number of incidents where a train reached an intersection after disregarding a red signal dropped significantly.
In 2024, 14 cases involved trains reaching an intersection, compared to 31.5% in 2023, a clear sign of improved safety measures and monitoring systems.
A major factor in reducing risk is the deployment of the European Train Control System (ETCS), which continuously monitors train speed and can automatically apply brakes if a driver disregards signals.
This system has been a cornerstone of Belgium’s rail safety efforts, ensuring that even in cases where a train passes through a red signal, the likelihood of a dangerous incident is significantly lowered.
According to Infrabel’s analysis, the ETCS intervened once in 2024 when a potential risk of collision arose but was able to safely rule out any danger.
In response to these violations, Infrabel has made substantial investments to enhance safety. In 2024 alone, 1,085 additional kilometres of track were fitted with the ETCS, bringing the coverage to 79% of the country’s 5,058-kilometre main rail network.
This move is expected to further reduce the risk of serious accidents in the future by providing more extensive monitoring and automated intervention across the country’s most heavily used rail lines.
The improvements were not limited to the main tracks, however. On secondary tracks, which typically see slower-moving, often empty trains, the number of red signal violations also decreased, from 44 incidents in 2023 to 40 in 2024.
While the stakes are lower on these secondary lines due to the reduced speed and fewer passengers, these improvements still demonstrate a wider commitment to safety across the Belgian rail network.
While the decrease in red signal violations is a positive development, Infrabel continues to focus on reducing these numbers further.
The ongoing efforts to enhance the rail network’s safety infrastructure, including expanding the reach of the ETCS and other monitoring systems, reflect Belgium’s commitment to safeguarding its public transportation system and preventing accidents before they can occur.
As rail traffic continues to increase across Europe, the lessons learned from Belgium’s proactive approach to signal violations and rail safety will be invaluable, particularly as the integration of advanced safety technologies becomes more widespread across the continent.
