Stadler to Deliver Four More Rack Trains for Mount Rigi
New tailor-made vehicles expand fleet, boost comfort, efficiency and sustainability on steep alpine routes.
stadlerrail.com
Expanding a Purpose-Built Mountain Railway Fleet
Stadler will supply four additional rack-and-pinion trains to Mount Rigi Railways, completing the renewal of rolling stock across both lines to Rigi Kulm. The new vehicles follow six Stadler trains already in service since 2022 on the Vitznau route and are designed specifically for the steep gradients and operational demands of one of Switzerland’s most iconic mountain railways.
Tailor-Made Engineering for High-Gradient Operations
Manufactured at Stadler’s Bussnang headquarters, the new two-car trains are built around gradient-compensated seating, panoramic window design and barrier-free access. Each 34.8-metre vehicle offers 150 seats and accommodates up to 253 passengers, ensuring comfortable capacity during peak tourist and winter sports seasons. Integrated ski and sled racks with drainage systems further support year-round use.
Efficiency and Sustainability on Mountain Slopes
To ensure reliable performance on steep terrain, the vehicles employ four powered cogwheel axles that maximize traction in varying weather conditions. Unlike earlier rolling stock, the new units recover braking energy during downhill travel and feed it back into the railway’s network, enabling ascending trains to reuse regenerated power. This design reduces energy losses and strengthens overall efficiency of operations between Goldau and Rigi Kulm.
Strengthening Stadler’s Tailor Made Segment
The additional order reinforces Stadler’s position as a leading specialist in custom rack-and-pinion technology. With both Mount Rigi lines now transitioning to modernised rolling stock, the partnership underscores the value of application-specific engineering in mountain mobility and the long-term commitment to sustainable transport in sensitive Alpine environments.
www.stadlerrail.com
