Stadler Secures CHF 100M Contract to Deliver Hybrid Locomotives for RhB and MGBahn

From left to right: Ansgar Brockmeyer, Deputy Group
CEO Stadler; Ivo Hutter, Head of Rolling Stock RhB; Renato Fasciati, CEO RhB; Christian König,
Deputy Head of Marketing & Sales Stadler; Egon Gsponer, CEO MGB; Ivan Pfammatter, Head of
Rolling Stock and Traction MGB.

(IN BRIEF) The Rhaetian Railway (RhB) and the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway (MGBahn) have partnered with Stadler to procure 11 innovative metre-gauge locomotives, with eight destined for RhB and three for MGBahn. These hybrid locomotives, capable of operating on both electric and diesel power, will replace aging models, improve operational efficiency, and support maintenance and snow clearance. The CHF 100 million project is part of a broader collaboration among Swiss metre-gauge railways to share development costs and modernize their fleets.

(PRESS RELEASE) BUSSNANG, 13-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The Rhaetian Railway (RhB) and the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway (MGBahn) have entered into a contract with Stadler for the production and delivery of eleven new metre-gauge locomotives. Of these, eight locomotives will be delivered to RhB and three to MGBahn. The new vehicles are set to replace older locomotives nearing the end of their operational lifespan, while also harmonizing and expanding the current fleet. The total value of the contract is approximately CHF 100 million.

The innovative hybrid metre-gauge locomotives are designed to operate flexibly using either overhead electric lines or diesel engines, enhancing efficiency on construction sites and during maintenance work. These four-axle locomotives, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 100 km/h, will be manufactured at Stadler’s facility in Bussnang, Switzerland.

Fleet Expansion and Operational Benefits for RhB

RhB will replace five ageing locomotives with the new models, while the additional three locomotives will be strategically deployed along the network to reduce response times in the event of disruptions. Given that many sections of the RhB network are inaccessible by road, these new locomotives will ensure rapid intervention to address faults or incidents. Furthermore, they will support the increasing demand for construction and maintenance work, particularly as available time for overnight operations decreases.

Upgrading MGBahn’s Infrastructure

MGBahn’s three new locomotives will replace the older HGm 4/4 61-62 models. These new vehicles will primarily support maintenance operations and the enhancement of railway infrastructure. Additionally, they will play a key role in snow clearance on the Oberalp Pass, ensuring operational reliability during the harsh winter months.

Collaborative Development Across Metre-Gauge Railways

The procurement of these locomotives is part of a broader collaboration among metre-gauge railways, including the Montreux-Berner Oberland-Bahn (MOB) and the Transports de la région Morges-Bière-Cossonay (MBC), which have also placed orders for similar locomotives. This collective effort, under the RAILplus partnership, allows for shared development costs and manufacturing efficiencies, further benefiting all involved railways.

Technical Highlights

RhB Locomotives:

• Weight: 63 tonnes
• Max. starting tractive force (adhesion): 220 kN
• Continuous power at the wheel: 1,500 kW (AC), 1,000 kW (DC)
• Diesel engine power: 700 kW
• Maximum speed: 100 km/h
• Brake system: Vacuum and compressed air

MGBahn Locomotives:

• Weight: 63 tonnes
• Max. starting tractive force: 140 kN (adhesion), 280 kN (rack)
• Continuous power at the wheel: 1,300 kW (AC)
• Diesel engine power: 700 kW
• Maximum speed: 70 km/h
• Brake system: Vacuum and compressed air

This acquisition marks a significant step in modernizing and enhancing the operational capabilities of both RhB and MGBahn, ensuring reliability and efficiency across their respective networks.

About Stadler

Stadler has been building trains for over 80 years. The provider of mobility solutions in rail vehicle construction, service and signalling technology has its headquarters in Bussnang in north east Switzerland. More than 14,500 employees work at several production and engineering sites and over 80 service locations, including over 5,300 employees in Switzerland. The company is aware of its social responsibility for sustainable mobility and therefore stands for innovative, sustainable and durable quality products. The product range in the mainline and urban transport sector includes high-speed trains, intercity trains, regional and suburban trains, underground trains, tram-trains and trams. Stadler also manufactures mainline locomotives, shunting locomotives and passenger coaches. Stadler is the world’s leading manufacturer of rack-and-pinion railway vehicles.

Media Contact:

Jürg Grob
Deputy Head of Communications & PR
Phone: +41 71 626 19 19
E-mail: medien@stadlerrail.com

www.stadlerrail.com

SOURCE: Stadler Rail Group