Rail supplier news from Cordel and Hitachi Rail (Aug. 20)

Cordel’s positive train control product, PTC Asset Connect, is being demonstrated live to Class Is. The first release enables Cordel's Class I partners to collaborate with the company's s team to refine the solution ahead of its commercial launch slated for January 2026, according to a Cordel press release. Cordel’s platform leverages advanced lidar and artificial intelligence analytics to automate the identification and management of PTC assets like signals, switches, speed sign and track center lines. Trained on thousands of miles of track data, the system produces precise, up-to-date asset inventories that support regulatory compliance and improve safety, company officials said.

Hitachi Rail, as part of a joint venture, has brought to market a new digital solution called InGa-Z that is designed to transform efficiency at intermodal freight terminals in Germany. As part of the federal Future of Rail Freight Transport program, the joint venture has developed a terminal operating system that includes mobile applications and digitizes, simplifies and accelerates key processes in intermodal freight transport, according to a Hitachi Rail press release. Expected real-world impact on operations include 50% less time spent on terminal check in and a 70% reduction in manual data entry. At the heart of the solution is a cloud-based software platform that digitally manages container movements, automates order processing and provides real-time status updates.