The autonomous driving system for the CEA1A1 locomotive intelligent upgrade project of CHN Energy Xinshuo Railway officially entered trial operation on March 28, marking substantial progress in the company’s application of intelligent driving technologies for heavy-haul railways.
The CEA1A1 No. 7149 locomotive during the trial operation
The trial uses the CEA1A1 No. 7149 locomotive and conducts real-operation verification across three main lines, covering various train formations including single locomotives, regular freight trains and 10,000-ton heavy-haul trains. The test focuses on comprehensive evaluation of core functions, thoroughly assessing the system’s stability, safety and practicality under complex routes, long steep gradients and diverse operational scenarios.
At present, Xinshuo Railway has completed the intelligent upgrade of nine CEA1A1 locomotives, equipping them with integrated systems for autonomous driving and remote monitoring and diagnostics. This has enabled the establishment of an intelligent heavy-haul train operation system characterized by minimal human intervention, automated execution and coordinated interaction, allowing seamless autonomous coordination between coal loading operations and loading stations.
The trial operation of the autonomous driving system for the CEA1A1 locomotive intelligent upgrade project represents a key achievement in the company’s efforts to advance smart railway development, as well as a critical step in upgrading heavy-haul railway transport equipment toward digitalization and intelligence. Once put into operation, the project will effectively improve the precision of train control and operational safety, optimize transport organization efficiency and reduce labor intensity.
