TKE Handling Major Cologne Subway Escalator Modernization

victoria escalators have a lift height of up to 75 m and a speed of up to 0.75 m/s; image courtesy of TKE.

TK Elevator (TKE) announced on September 17 it has been awarded a major escalator modernization contract to modernize numerous escalators serving subway stations in Cologne, Germany. The project includes 23 new victoria heavy-duty escalators and the MAX Internet of Things smart monitoring and digital technology solution to minimize maintenance and downtime. TKE observed its digital solutions were a key factor in public transportation authority Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe AG (KVB) awarding it the contract. The project began in spring 2024 with the first escalator installed at the busy Neumarkt station in the heart of the city. The final escalator replacement is scheduled in spring 2027. Ater installation, TKE will handle maintenance of the new escalators. TKE CEO Europe and Africa Bora Gülan observed that TKE’s digital maintenance and monitoring solutions are “in line with KVB’s growing mobility needs,” as KVB transports approximately 236 million passengers each year.