Stadler & MGBahn Unveil World's Fastest Rack-and-Pinion Railway

Stadler, alongside partners at the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway (MGBahn), have unveiled what they claim to be the world’s fastest rack-and-pinion railway.

The railway utilises v+, a newly-developed braking system that allows the line’s cogwheel trains to travel along its route at vastly higher speeds than previously attempted.

The companies claim the route is now the fastest rack-and-pinion railway in the world

Christoph Leiterer, Head of Engineering for the area Tailor Made at Stadler, said:
The new rack-and-pinion braking system offers significant added value for both railway operators and passengers. This innovative system enables shorter journey times, more efficient intervals, and consequently, more stable timetables. From now on, other rack railways can also benefit from and use the new innovative braking system for new purchases.

Today, we celebrate innovation. A heartfelt thank you to MGBahn for their outstanding collaboration.

Following the reveal of the first Stadler ORION multiple-unit train, which has been fitted with the v+ system, services have now begun between Andermatt and Göschenen, a line which features an overall gradient of 181%.

By utilising the companies’ new braking system, the train is capable of travelling downhill at up to 30 km per hour, an increase of 9km per hour from the previous 21km per hour standard as permitted by railway ordinance requirements.

As a result of the increased speeds, passengers have begun experiencing a 4-minute reduction in overall journey times, with MGBahn now able to operate the line with one vehicle in rotation instead of two.

Ivan Pfammatter, Head of Rolling Stock & Traction at MGBahn, says:
Our ambition and the associated goals have been realised - we will be travelling faster in the future, guests will benefit from faster and more stable connections and the new technology will enable us to make noticeable operational upgrades.

Following the project’s success, MGBahn has announced the fitting of a further 25 newly ordered ORION multiple-unit trains with the new system, with delivery set for 2026, as well as an initiative to retrofit its existing fleet of trains with the v+ technology.