Swiss manufacturer Stadler has secured a further order from Switzerland’s Gornergrat Railway, Europe’s highest open-air railway, for four additional Polaris rack-and-pinion multiple units, extending a fleet renewal programme on the mountain line from Zermatt to Gornergrat, famous for its views of the Matterhorn.
The contract, valued at around 30 million Swiss francs (€32.5 million), will see the new trains delivered from autumn 2028, with entry into regular passenger service planned for winter 2028. They will operate on the 9.3 km route between Zermatt and the Gornergrat, a high-altitude line known for gradients of up to 200‰ and heavy tourist demand. The operator previously ordered five Polaris units in 2019, followed by an additional vehicle in 2024. Those trains are already in service and form the backbone of operations on the line.
“The Gornergrat Railway operates one of the most spectacular and famous railway lines in the world,” said Dennis Laubbacher, CEO of Stadler Bussnang. “We are proud that our trains travel through this unique Alpine landscape every day, offering passengers an unforgettable experience. This repeat order is a strong sign of confidence in our rolling stock and our expertise in the field of rack-and-pinion railways.”
Fleet renewal for high-alpine operations
GGB said the additional units will replace older rolling stock as part of a phased modernisation programme to boost performance under the challenging alpine conditions. The Polairs trains are designed specifically for steep-gradient rack operation, with traction systems capable of handling steep inclines.
“The POLARIS multiple units are optimally designed for the conditions of the Gornergrat line and, thanks to modern technology and high performance, increase our operational flexibility,” said Ivan Pfammatter, Head of Rolling Stock at Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn.
The trains will feature large panoramic windows aimed at maximising views of the Matterhorn and surrounding Valais Alps, alongside low-floor access and full accessibility, with manufacturing to take place at Stadler’s Bussnang facility in the canton of Thurgau.