Autonomous Train Technology Market Report 2026

The autonomous train technology market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $4.56 billion in 2025 to $4.78 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to urban rail network expansion, demand for operational safety, adoption of automatic train control, reduction of human error, public transport modernization.

The autonomous train technology market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.66 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to government investments in smart rail, AI-based traffic management, demand for energy-efficient rail systems, growth of autonomous metros, digital rail infrastructure. Major trends in the forecast period include expansion of driverless metro projects, integration of cbtc and ertms systems, adoption of AI-based train control, growth of sensor fusion technologies, focus on operational safety and reliability.

The increase in expenditure on railways is expected to fuel the growth of the autonomous train technology market going forward. Expenditure on railways refers to the amount of money spent by governments or private entities on various aspects of railway infrastructure, operations, and development. These railway expenditures arise because of increasing demand for public transportation, improved operational efficiency and competitiveness, and meeting the growing demands of modern transportation. Railway expenditure utilizes autonomous train technology to enhance infrastructure, integrate autonomous systems, and promote growth, which will consequently improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability in rail transportation systems. For instance, in November 2023, according to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), a UK-based non-ministerial government department, the operational expenditure for the UK rail industry from April 2022 to March 2023 amounted to approximately $31.5 billion (£25.4 billion), with a 1% increase compared to the previous year. The breakdown of this expenditure includes $15.4 billion (£12.4 billion) attributed to Network Rail, $14.5 billion (£11.7 billion) for franchised train operators, and $1.6 billion (£1.3 billion) from other segments of the rail industry. Therefore, an increase in expenditure on railways is driving the growth of the autonomous train technology market.

Major companies operating in the autonomous train technology market are focusing on the adoption of innovative technological solutions, such as Aeva's 4D LiDAR technology, to maintain a competitive edge and ensure regulatory compliance in automatic train operation solutions. 4D LiDAR technology revolutionizes autonomous systems by providing advanced perception capabilities that enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability in various industries. For instance, in August 2023, Railergy, a Germany-based top-tier provider of railway automation solutions, adopted Aeva's 4D LiDAR technology to power autonomous train technology and enhance safety in their automatic train operation solution. This innovative technology enables the automation of trains for various applications, including shunting, main line, and last-mile operations in areas such as seaports, freight, and mining. Additionally, this technology provides instant velocity data and high-resolution sensing capabilities, allowing for the real-time detection of obstacles and ensuring safe autonomous locomotive passage.

In May 2024, Hitachi Rail Ltd., a Japan-based company specializing in transportation and infrastructure, acquired Thales Group's Ground Transportation Systems (GTS) business for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is intended to enhance Hitachi Rail's global presence and capabilities in sustainable mobility solutions by advancing its digital signaling and systems integration. Thales Group, a France-based technology company, specializes in advanced signaling and control systems, which are essential for the development and operation of autonomous and automated train technologies.

Major companies operating in the autonomous train technology market report include China Railway Corporation, Hitachi Ltd, Siemens AG, Deutsche Bahn AG, General Electric Company, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, ABB Group, Toshiba Corporation, Thales Group, Alstom SA, CSX Transportation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Japan Railways Group, WSP Global Inc, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd, Wabtec Corporation, Tech Mahindra Ltd, MTR Corporation, Stadler Rail, CAF Signalling S.A.U, Hyundai Rotem, Itron Inc, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), Kyosan Electric Manufacturing Ltd, Mermec Corporation.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the autonomous train technology market in 2025. It is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the autonomous train technology market report include Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the autonomous train technology market report include Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The autonomous train technology market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as autonomous operation, route optimization, automated maintenance, remote monitoring and control, predictive maintenance, communication, and connectivity. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The autonomous train technology market also includes the sale of sensors, control systems, communication systems, onboard computers, navigation systems, actuators, and redundant and fail-safe systems. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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