Stadler Rail has won a further contract from the Gornergrat Railway (GGB) to supply four additional POLARIS rack‑and‑pinion trains for one of Europe’s most iconic mountain railways.
The new fleet will operate on the world‑famous Zermatt–Gornergrat line, renowned for its unobstructed views of the Matterhorn, with delivery scheduled from autumn 2028.
Valued at around CHF 30 million, the order builds on a long‑standing partnership between Stadler and GGB. The railway first ordered five POLARIS cogwheel trains in 2019, followed by an additional unit in 2024. Those vehicles are already in successful daily service and now form the backbone of operations on the high‑profile Alpine route.
Purpose‑built rolling stock for extreme Alpine conditions
The latest order forms part of GGB’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme, enabling the replacement of older vehicles while increasing capacity, reliability and operational flexibility.
Designed specifically for the demanding high‑alpine environment between Zermatt and Gornergrat, the POLARIS rack‑and‑pinion multiple units are engineered to cope with gradients of up to 200‰, ensuring consistent performance in all weather conditions.
“With the additional POLARIS multiple units, we are making a targeted investment in quality, comfort and reliability,” says Egon Gsponer, CEO of Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn and Gornergrat Bahn.
Passenger experience at the heart of the design
A defining feature of the POLARIS trains is their focus on the passenger experience. Generous panoramic windows provide uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding Valais Alps, while bright, open interiors create a premium environment aligned with the route’s global tourism appeal.
The trains feature low‑floor access and are fully accessible, supporting inclusive travel and efficient passenger flows. Both the interior and exterior design were developed by the renowned Italian design house Pininfarina, blending contemporary aesthetics with functional robustness.
Strong vote of confidence in Stadler’s mountain rail expertise
For Stadler, the repeat order underlines its position as a leading supplier of rack‑and‑pinion rolling stock for extreme operating environments.
“The Gornergrat Railway operates one of the most spectacular and famous railway lines in the world. 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,” says Dennis Laubbacher, CEO of Stadler Bussnang.
From the operator’s perspective, the additional vehicles bring both technical and operational advantages.
“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,” adds Ivan Pfammatter, Head of Rolling Stock at Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn.
Manufacturing in Switzerland, service entry from winter 2028
The four new cogwheel multiple units will be manufactured at Stadler’s Bussnang plant in the canton of Thurgau. Delivery is scheduled for autumn 2028, with entry into regular passenger service planned for winter 2028.
The latest order further strengthens Stadler’s order book in the specialist mountain rail sector and reinforces Gornergrat Railway’s commitment to modern, accessible and high‑performance rolling stock on one of the world’s most recognisable railways.
Image credits: Stadler
