BERLIN — InnoTrans – the largest rail trade fair in the world, held every two years in the German capital city opened its doors for its 2024 edition on Sept. 24. Exhibitors number 2,940 representing 59 countries are occupying the entire exhibition grounds at the Berlin trade fair exhibition centre which is also equipped with 2.2 miles of standard gauge track on which 133 vehicles ranging from the latest high-speed trains to new freight cars. According to the organisers the 2024 edition, the 14th such show, is the largest ever since the trade fair launched in 1996.
Tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world are expected over the four days of the show which was officially opened with transport officials and ministers from multiple countries in attendance. For many visitors the main draw is the selection of new trains on display with new trains for multiple European countries, Africa, and Australia on show from a wide range of train builders from around the globe.
Among the highlights on show are new high-speed trains for the new network of lines being built in the north African country of Egypt being built in Germany by Siemens and ‘Frecciarossa’ or ‘Red Arrow’ 225 mph EMUs built by Hitachi in Italy for use in Italy, France, and Germany by Italian national rail passenger company Trenitalia. New locomotives, mainly for European freight operators, are on show from multiple manufacturers.
New energy technology remains a major selling point for European train builders with both hydrogen and batteries as alternatives for diesel engines in regional and commuter trains on display; a prototype hydrogen powered high speed train from Chinese train builder CRRC is on show and thanks to its distinctive blue colors and the prominent location chosen to exhibit it its attracting lots of attention from visitors. A large variety of new and innovative light rail trains, freight cars and maintenance of way machines are also on show giving rail operators from around the world the opportunity to see new solutions in every area of rail operations.
As with previous InnoTrans shows many trade exhibitors are promoting digital solutions for everything from rail operations, signaling and maintenance. In line with the wider economy many of these solutions are now touted as artificial intelligence-driven using machine learning to automate routine tasks such as train routing or vehicle inspection. The trade fair features an AI Mobility Lab featuring AI-based solutions for the rail industry from multiple vendors.
Trains News Wire is planning to bring daily updates from the show showcasing the new trains and technologies on display. Innotrans runs through Sept. 27.
I like that Grainbox concept. Need something similar for transporting of bulk soy liquids. American soy suppliers have had some issues finding a cost effective method of shipping bulk soy to Asia. It’s one thing the US is growing in export.
It would be interesting to see what innovations have taken place in freight safety and any companies promoting their operational analytics platforms.
If you can, it would be interesting to hear what American exhibitors are there.