Over October 2024, UIC successfully led its 3rd Digital Rail Mission, which took place across Asia.

Some key figures to illustrate the mission’s scope:

• 3 countries visited
• 19 companies engaged
• More than 80 individuals met

As with the previous two editions, the initiative offered a unique opportunity to connect with the majority of UIC members in the region and participate in meaningful and productive discussions on digital strategies, innovative projects, and developing prospects. Notable participants included the Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI), KORAIL, the Korea National Railway (KRNA), the East Japan Railway Company (JR-East), the Railway Technical Research Institute (RTRI), and the Central Japan Railway Company (JR-Central).

During the mission, the participants interacted with a wide range of stakeholders, including:

• Rail companies (e.g. SMRT, ODAKYU)
• Political authorities (e.g. the Singaporean Land Transport Authority (LTA), and the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)
• Manufacturers (e.g. Hyundai Rotem, Dassault Systèmes)
• Innovation hubs and research institutions (e.g. A*STAR, CNRS Descartes)
• Authorities from other modes of transport (e.g. Changi Airport in Singapore, Incheon Airport in Seoul)

Although non-exhaustive, this list provides a glimpse into the varied and comprehensive programme planned for the 2024 mission.

Throughout the week, several critical and thought-provoking topics were explored, such as:

• The link between Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and demographic data on train drivers
• The impact and benefits of AI
• Unexpected and successful business models for rail companies
• The integration of data and urban planning

Through these presentations, the participants gained a deeper insight into the priorities, strategies, and unique approaches to digitalisation in the visited countries, while also fostering the sharing of experiences and solutions.