Stadler Unveils New Mont-Blanc Express Train for 2026

Stadler has delivered the first of seven new trains for the Mont-Blanc Express, which will begin passenger service in mid-2026. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

These new trains will replace the legacy fleet on the route connecting Martigny (Switzerland) and St-Gervais-les-Bains-le-Fayet (France).

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The first train was officially handed over in Martigny on April 24, 2025. All seven units are scheduled to arrive by autumn 2025. “We transported the first vehicle from our factory in Bussnang to Martigny in an environmentally friendly way,” said Frédéric Evequoz, Stadler’s Sales Manager.

After arriving in Martigny, the train was transferred to a lorry and placed onto the narrow-gauge line for further testing and commissioning.

The Mont-Blanc Express Trains: Key Features

The new Mont-Blanc Express trains come with modular designs, allowing multiple units to be connected for higher passenger capacity. The trains also feature large panoramic windows, providing stunning views of the Alpine landscape. Key technical features include:

• Dual-mode capability: These trains operate both on cogwheel and adhesion tracks and can run in double traction to increase capacity on cogwheel sections.
• Accessibility: Fully compliant with the Swiss Disability Discrimination Act, the trains offer easy access for passengers with reduced mobility.
• Energy efficiency: Regenerative braking systems turn braking energy into electricity, feeding it back into the grid.
• Sustainability: The vehicles feature energy-efficient air conditioning and meet high environmental standards.

Part of a Larger Public Transport Modernisation

This project is part of a broader effort to improve public transport, supported by the Swiss Confederation, the canton of Valais, and the French region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The total project cost for the seven trains amounts to CHF 76 million (approximately $84.5 million).

“We are delighted to enhance passenger comfort on the scenic Mont-Blanc Express route between Valais and Haute-Savoie,” said Evequoz. “These new vehicles reflect our commitment to sustainable travel, cross-border cooperation, and technological innovation in the Alps.”

The Mont-Blanc Express has connected Martigny with St-Gervais for over a century. TMR operates the Swiss section, while SNCF runs services in France.

Source, photo: www.railwaypro.com

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