47th railML® Conference: A Leap Toward Seamless Rail Interoperability

by Gulruh Farmonova (railML.org)

On June 4, 2025, the global rail data community came together virtually for the 47th railML Conference, organized by railML.org. The event delivered a powerful mix of strategic insights, technical innovation, and real-world application ‒ from evolving standards to software integration.

Major Developments in railML 3.3 and 3.4

railML.org presented significant progress on railML 3.3, which includes improvements in infrastructure modelling, timetable planning and system integration. A forward-looking session outlined upcoming features in railML 3.4, with a strong focus on interlocking, signal planning and enhanced cross-border interoperability.

Key Highlights:

  • One of the key announcements was the publication of the railML 3.4 Beta version  which includes an extended modelling of track geometry including super-elevation as well as modelling of track bed, buffer stop and level crossing types for infrastructure. For timetable an improved description of stop activities and generic blocks for rostering can be reviewed by the community.

  • Furthermore, the official release of railVIVID 2.0.2 was announced. This is the latest version of the open-source, community-driven, three-phase validation tool (syntax, reference and semantic) for railML 2 and 3 files.
    During the conference we had a live poll within the community to decide on how to continue with the development of railVIVID, with a clear result on the decision for a tree view of railML file content based on railML subschemas.

Poll results regarding development of railVIVID

  • New modelling capabilities in interlocking in railML 3.4, covering both simple and complex routing logic such as flank protection, dependencies and overlaps.

  • An important highlight was a series of practical showcases from railML partners who have successfully integrated the standard into their software ecosystems from Tesifer, Trenolab and GS1 Germany. They contributed insights on integrating railML with their planning, signalling and infrastructure management solutions.

Community engagement remained a key theme, with interactive Q&A sessions and feedback loops integrated into the day’s schedule. Attendees were encouraged to join ongoing working groups and actively shape upcoming versions of the railML standard.

The 47th railML Conference marked a significant step toward smarter, safer, and more interoperable railway systems. From the launch of railVIVID 2.0.2 to cutting-edge developments in interlocking modelling, and hands-on software integrations from key industry partners, railML continues to drive the digital transformation of railways around the globe.


Download all the conference materials and presentations here: https://www.railml.org/en/events/47th-railml-conference-virtual

Download the official railVIVID 2.0.2 release here: https://www.railml.org/en/railvivid

Next stop: Madrid!
We look forward to the next conference which is planned in November 4-5th 2025 in Madrid, by our esteemed partner ADIF Spain where the railML® community will dive even deeper into rail’s digital transformation!
Stay tuned for upcoming virtual and hybrid events!