The world’s longest passenger train was over a mile long and passed through a stunning mountain range.
The train broke a world record(Image: FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)
The record for the world’s longest passenger train was broken in 2022, when it reached over a mile in length and was made up of 100 carriages. The train made its way through the stunning Alps, which span countries such as Italy, Austria, Germany, France, and Switzerland. The Rhaetian Railway in Switzerland made history with its 1.2-mile-long train.
It headed on the Albula-Bernina route from Preda to Bergün. The train passed through the UNESCO World Heritage site and took over an hour.
The route passes through 22 tunnels, some of which spiral through the mountains, and 48 bridges, including the curved Landwasser Viaduct. Spectators lined the valley to watch the super-long train pass by.
CEO of Rhaetian Railway, Dr Renato Fasciati, said people from across the world flocked to watch the train. The 100-carriage train helped mark the 175th birthday of Swiss Railways.
Dr Fasciati said: “This world record attempt is a wonderful reason and a wonderful instrument for us to show the world this beautiful railway.”
During the pandemic, the company reportedly lost around 30% of its revenue. The world record attempt was done to raise awareness of the stunning train route.
The train was made up of 25 Capricorn railcars, 100 carriages, 3,000 tonnes of steel and technology. It was controlled by seven train drivers and 21 technicians across the mountain range.
Explaining how the 100-carriage train worked, Rhaetian Railway said: “The 25 trains all had to accelerate or decelerate at the same time, although only four trains each could be controlled from the same driver’s cab.
“An electric circuit ensured that all trains braked at the same time if the trains needed to slow down suddenly.
“Due to the heavy weight of the train (2,850 t without passengers), very high forces were exerted on the infrastructure and the carriages.
“A separate intercom system on the train, trained train drivers and clear instructions ensured the desired result. In addition, special software was loaded for the record-breaking train and the mechanical braking power was reduced.”
The train journey saw the railway set a Guinness World Record for the longest narrow-gauge passenger train.
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