EN 50716

EN 50716 is a European standard that outlines safety requirements for software in railway control and protection systems. It ensures that software used in trains, signaling systems, and other critical railway infrastructure is developed, verified, and validated to meet the required safety integrity levels (SILs). As part of the broader framework for functional safety in the railway sector, EN 50716 helps reduce risks associated with software failures.

EN 50716 is essential for railway safety as software increasingly drives modern railway systems, from automatic train operations to passenger information systems. Failures in safety-relevant software can lead to accidents, service disruptions, or even loss of life.

By establishing a framework for rigorous software development and assurance, EN 50716 helps prevent such failures and supports consistent, auditable safety arguments across railway projects. Achieving this level of confidence also depends on the trustworthiness of the development and verification tools used.

Validas supports railway stakeholders by classifying and qualifying safety-relevant tools and software libraries in line with EN 50716 and related railway standards. Through structured, reusable qualification evidence, Validas helps organizations reduce compliance effort while strengthening confidence in the safety and reliability of railway software systems.

EN 50716 is closely aligned with other functional safety standards, particularly IEC 61508, the international benchmark for safety in electrical, electronic, and programmable systems. EN 50716 applies the principles of IEC 61508 specifically to the railway sector, addressing its unique challenges and requirements. It also complements railway-specific standards such as EN 50128, which focuses on software for control and protection systems, and EN 50126, which covers reliability, availability, maintainability, and safety (RAMS).

While tailored for railways, EN 50716 shares common ground with standards from other safety-critical domains, including ISO 26262 for automotive, DO-178C for avionics, and emerging cybersecurity standards like ISO/SAE 21434.

Compliance with EN 50716 is critical for organizations involved in developing, supplying, or integrating software for railway applications in Europe and beyond, particularly for projects connected to European railway systems. This includes railway operators, system integrators, software developers, and equipment manufacturers.

Adhering to EN 50716 demonstrates a commitment to functional safety and ensures that software meets required safety integrity levels. Compliance not only supports market access but also builds trust in the safety and reliability of railway technologies.

Key aspects of EN 50716 compliance involve a structured approach to the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements definition through validation and maintenance. This includes defining safety requirements, designing safety-oriented architectures, applying robust coding practices, and performing thorough verification and validation. The standard also emphasizes configuration management, comprehensive documentation, and the use of qualified tools and libraries to maintain software integrity.

Validas supports this process by systematically classifying and qualifying safety-relevant tools and software libraries, helping organizations produce audit-ready evidence and maintain long-term compliance with EN 50716.