In a Demonstration of Technical Feat, the Rhaetian Railway of Switzerland Operated the Longest Narrow Gauge Passenger Train in the World, a Composition of 1.9 km that Wound Through the Alps in 2022.
On October 29, 2022, the Rhaetian Railway (Rhätische Bahn – RhB) of Switzerland made history by operating what was certified by Guinness World Records as the longest passenger train in the world on narrow gauge. At nearly two kilometers long, this red “monster” traveled one of the most scenic and challenging alpine railway lines.
This feat was not only a record-breaking event but also a demonstration of technical capability on one of the most complex alpine routes. The official certification by Guinness World Records at the event site underscored the magnitude of the achievement.
The Specifications of the Colossal Capricorn Train of 1.9 Kilometers
The record-breaking train was an impressive sight:
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- Total Length: Officially 1,906 meters.
- Composition: Composed of 25 electric multiple units (EMUs) of the Stadler Capricorn ABe 4/16 model.
- Total Carriages: Each EMU had four carriages, totaling 100 carriages in total.
- Total Weight: Approximately 2,990 tons. During the record run, 150 of the 4,550 theoretical seats were occupied by guests.
The Challenging and Scenic Albula Line, UNESCO World Heritage

The achievement took place on the Albula Line, a railway route recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional engineering and integration with the alpine landscape. The specific segment of the record, measuring 24.930 km between Preda and Alvaneu, crossed 48 bridges and 22 tunnels, including the world-famous Landwasser Viaduct (142m long, 65m high). The journey involved a descent of altitude of 789.4 meters, with numerous tight curves and steep gradients.
The Engineering and Operation Behind the Success of the Longest Passenger Train in the World
Operating a 1.9 km train in alpine terrain required impeccable coordination. Seven drivers and 21 technicians were essential, with the lead driver in the front cabin and others distributed along the train. Constant communication was ensured by a campaign telephone line of nearly two kilometers, provided by the Swiss Civil Protection, especially crucial within the tunnels.
Ensuring that all 25 EMUs accelerated and braked in sync was critical, utilizing the intrinsic design of the Capricorn trains for multiple operations and the Train Control and Management System (TCMS) from Selectron Systems. During the descent, regenerative braking produced 4,000 kWh of energy, requiring software modifications to avoid overload on the electrical grid and limiting the train’s speed to 30-35 km/h.
Celebration, Technology and Promotion of Sustainable Tourism
The event had multiple objectives. Firstly, it celebrated the 175th anniversary of Swiss railways. It also served to showcase the Rhaetian Railway as an innovative operator and exhibit the technology of the Stadler Rail Capricorn trains.
One of the main focuses was to boost tourism in the region after the pandemic and highlight sustainable transport, as the train was powered 100% by local hydropower. The RhB record surpassed previous achievements, such as that of Belgium in 1991 (1,732.9m) and the Netherlands in 1989 (1,602m), standing out for being on narrow gauge and mountainous terrain.


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