Chinese Train Control System

The Chinese Train Control System ( CTCS ) is a specification of train control systems of the People's Republic of China.

The CTCS is based on ERTMS and some forms are with the European Train Control System compatible.

CTCS specifies several levels:

• CTCS -0: track circuit cab signaling traction lock,
• CTCS -1: track circuit cab signaling traction lock,
• CTCS -2: track circuit beacons ATP,
• CTCS -3: Balise GSM -R ATP,
• CTCS -4: Balise GSM -R ATP, moving block (driving distance migratory space or absolute braking distance )

The Level 2, 3, 4 are backwards compatible with smaller level. The CTCS - 3 is functionally equivalent to the ETCS Level -2. Driving in migratory space distance or absolute braking distance of CTCS -4 is also specified in ETCS Level 3.

CTCS -3 / ETCS and ERTMS Level 2 are to be used in the People's Republic of China on the nearly 1,000 -km-long high-speed line between Wuhan and Guangzhou. The mid-2007 awarded contract to haul equipment has a volume of 66 million euros (for installation, delivery, testing and commissioning ) and consist of the line equipment and the equipment of 60 high-speed trains. The system will be commissioned in January 2010.