Gornergrat Bahn Orders Four Polaris Trains CHF 30 Million Switzerland

ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND – Gornergrat Bahn has placed an order with Stadler for four additional Polaris-type rack-and-pinion multiple units to serve its high-altitude tourist route. The contract is valued at approximately CHF 30 million (EUR 32.5 million). Deliveries are scheduled to commence in the fall of 2028, completing the operator’s fleet modernization program.

What Does This Contract Cover?

The agreement covers the design, manufacture, and delivery of four specialized electric multiple units for the 1,000 mm gauge rack-and-pinion railway between Zermatt and Gornergrat. These Polaris-type trains are purpose-built for steep gradient operation in alpine environments, enhancing both capacity and passenger experience on the scenic route. Specific technical details, such as seating capacity and power output per unit, were not disclosed in the announcement.

Key Contract Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Contracts?

The CHF 30 million investment in new, specialized rolling stock highlights a capital-intensive approach to fleet modernization focused on premium tourist services. For comparison, technology firm Voltify recently secured a similar amount, USD 30 million, to fund a different modernization strategy: converting existing diesel trains to battery-electric power without new overhead lines (Source: Railway Supply, 2024). While the Gornergrat Bahn purchase focuses on purpose-built vehicles for a unique infrastructure, the Voltify funding is aimed at decarbonizing conventional lines through retrofitting, representing two distinct investment pathways within the rail sector for a comparable financial outlay.

Editor’s Analysis

This order reinforces the enduring market for highly specialized, premium rolling stock in the European tourist rail sector, where passenger experience and reliability justify significant capital expenditure. The investment in new-build units rather than refurbishment aligns with a wider Swiss industrial trend toward long-term, sustainable infrastructure, as also demonstrated by the Swatch Group’s recent CHF 40 million investment in energy-efficient systems for its facilities (Source: Greentechlead, 2024). For a high-profile route like the Gornergrat, procuring proven, state-of-the-art trains from a domestic supplier like Stadler is a lower-risk strategy than adopting emergent retrofit technologies.

FAQ

Q: Why does the Gornergrat line need special trains?
A: The line features steep alpine gradients that require a rack-and-pinion drive system for safe traction, as conventional adhesion-based trains are insufficient. The Polaris units from Stadler are specifically engineered for this type of demanding mountain railway.

Q: What is the total value and delivery timeline for this order?
A: The contract for four new trainsets is valued at approximately 30 million Swiss francs. Stadler is scheduled to begin delivering the completed units to Gornergrat Bahn starting in the fall of 2028.

Q: Does this order complete the fleet replacement for the line?
A: Yes, the announcement confirms that this purchase of four additional units will complete the current fleet modernization program for the Zermatt-Gornergrat route. The total number of vehicles in the fully modernized fleet has not been specified.