InnoTrans

With UK transport secretary Chris Grayling looking on, both contracts were signed by representatives from all parties.

RIA chief executive Darren Caplan described the pact as a "great example of an industry reaching out to fellow colleagues across the globe, to develop new trade links and cooperation".

Forget curtains and blinds, one company exhibiting at InnoTrans has unveiled an intelligent technology that shuts out light from train carriages in a futuristic fashion.

Around 130,000 guests are expected over the course of four days, with 3,062 companies and institutions from 61 different countries showcasing new or improved products and services.

The hackathon is being supported by Network Rail, Deutsche Bahn, Siemens, Silver Rail, Fujitsu, ORM, SBB and the UK's Department for Transport.

The Outdoor Display at InnoTrans 2018, which will include around 3,500 metres of track, will feature more than 150 vehicles ranging from regional passenger trains to on-track plant.

[Advertisement Feature] Renowned rail depot equipment specialist Mechan is preparing to raise its global profile further by taking its largest stand to date at this year’s InnoTrans trade fair in Germany.

On a 6km section of the Potsdam tram network, a test tram will drive autonomously in real traffic between September 18-21.

Every two years, the global rail industry gathers in Berlin.

A spokesperson for NS said it wants to symbolically show it can accelerate the train to Berlin.