Sabik LED Signals Modernize Railway Safety at Ilmala Marshalling Yard, Finland
In a significant move to modernize Finland’s railway infrastructure, Sabik’s pioneering LED signaling technology played a central role in the comprehensive renovation of Ilmala, the country’s largest marshalling yard.
Between 2006 and 2012, this ambitious project transformed Helsinki’s primary train servicing hub into a state-of-the-art facility, positioning Finland as an early adopter of LED rail signaling.
Background and challenge
The Ilmala railway yard is the most critical marshalling yard in Finland. It handles nearly all maintenance and repair of long-distance passenger trains and the entire servicing of the Helsinki commuter fleet.
To maintain punctual rail operations and ensure trains are ready to depart each day from Helsinki Central Station, flawless operation at Ilmala is essential.
The six-year modernization project was executed in twelve carefully phased segments and involved:
- Removal of outdated infrastructure
- Soil stabilization works
- Full renewal of the track superstructure
- Complete overhaul of traffic control and safety systems
This scale of reconstruction posed multiple logistical and technical challenges, especially since Ilmala depot had to remain operational throughout the entire project timeline.
Solution – LED Signaling and System Integration by Sabik
Sabik Leads the Transition to LED Technology
In the early 2000s, LED technology was still emerging in the railway industry.
Sabik stood at the forefront, becoming one of the first suppliers to deliver LED signals suitable for railway applications.
Rigorous pilot programs and testing confirmed the reliability and performance of Sabik’s solutions, setting the stage for broader adoption.
RO100 LED Signal – A Purpose-Built Design
To meet the specific needs of their client, Mipro, Sabik designed a new LED signal unit: the RO100. This product was tailored to seamlessly integrate with Mipro’s control systems, using the same Railway Logic Controller core previously employed in the TRV200 LED units for road-level crossings.
This compatibility allowed the RO100 signal to complement Mipro’s existing product suite and provided a smooth transition to LED-based railway signaling without disrupting existing infrastructure.
Stainless Steel Housing for Shunting Signals
Sabik was also the first to develop a stainless steel signal housing specifically for shunting signals in Finland’s railway system. This advancement offered greater durability and corrosion resistance—crucial for reliable long-term performance in Nordic weather conditions.
Outcome – Finland Becomes a Leader in LED Rail Signaling
Thanks to Sabik’s innovations, Finland became one of the first countries globally to deploy LED signaling at scale in railways. The Ilmala yard remained operational throughout construction, with minimal disruption to train traffic.
Successful coordination between project stakeholders ensured that train delays were kept to a minimum, even during major infrastructure upgrades.
Sabik’s contributions not only modernized railway safety but also set a benchmark for future projects in the sector
