In a spectacular feat of engineering and coordination, the world's longest passenger train has been confirmed, stretching over a mile in length and comprising 100 carriages. This remarkable achievement took place in 2022, when the Rhaetian Railway in Switzerland orchestrated a historic journey through the breathtaking Alpine landscape.
A Record-Breaking Journey Through the Alps
The train, measuring an impressive 1.2 miles long, traversed the Albula-Bernina route from Preda to Bergün. This route is renowned for its scenic beauty and engineering marvels, passing through a UNESCO World Heritage site. The entire journey lasted over an hour, captivating spectators who lined the valleys to witness this extraordinary event.
Technical Marvels and Operational Challenges
The record-breaking train consisted of 25 Capricorn railcars, totaling 100 carriages and weighing approximately 3,000 tonnes of steel and advanced technology. Operating such a massive train required meticulous planning and coordination. Seven train drivers and 21 technicians worked in unison across the mountain range to ensure a smooth and safe passage.
According to Rhaetian Railway, the operation involved synchronising all 25 trains to accelerate or decelerate simultaneously. However, only four trains could be controlled from a single driver's cab at any time. An electric circuit was implemented to guarantee that all trains braked simultaneously in case of sudden slowdowns, a critical safety measure given the train's immense weight of 2,850 tonnes without passengers.
Due to the heavy load, very high forces were exerted on both the infrastructure and the carriages. To manage this, the railway employed a separate intercom system, highly trained drivers, and clear instructions. Special software was loaded specifically for this record attempt, and mechanical braking power was carefully reduced to accommodate the unique demands of the journey.
Celebrating Swiss Railway Heritage
The event was not only a technical triumph but also a celebration of Swiss railway history, marking the 175th birthday of Swiss Railways. Dr Renato Fasciati, CEO of Rhaetian Railway, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, "This world record attempt is a wonderful reason and a wonderful instrument for us to show the world this beautiful railway." He noted that people from across the globe flocked to witness the train, highlighting its global appeal.
The record attempt also served a strategic purpose. During the pandemic, the company reportedly lost around 30% of its revenue, making this event a crucial initiative to raise awareness of the stunning train route and attract tourism. The journey successfully set a Guinness World Record for the longest narrow-gauge passenger train, cementing its place in railway history.
Scenic Route and Engineering Feats
The Albula-Bernina route is one of the most spectacular railways in the world, winding through the Alps across countries such as Italy, Austria, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Along the way, the train passed through 22 tunnels, some of which spiral through the mountains, and 48 bridges, including the iconic curved Landwasser Viaduct. This combination of natural beauty and human ingenuity made the journey a visual masterpiece.
In summary, the Rhaetian Railway's achievement demonstrates the pinnacle of railway engineering and operational excellence. By breaking the world record with a mile-long passenger train, they have not only honoured Swiss railway heritage but also showcased the enduring allure of Alpine travel to a global audience.
