World’s Longest Passenger Train

The world’s longest passenger train was operationalized in Switzerland during the 175^th anniversary of Swiss Railways.

About the longest passenger train

The passenger train is 1.9 km-long, having 100 coaches. It travelled 15.5 miles from the Albula Tunnel in Preda to the Landwasser Viaduct, at the outskirts of Filisur. The journey ended at Bergün. It travelled via the famous Albula-Bernina route – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the journey, the trained travelled via 22 tunnels and 48 bridges.

The train was operated by 7 train drivers and 21 technicians. It took nearly 8 months to prepare for this historic journey. The train, weighing a massive 2,990 tonnes, managed to maintain the average speed at 30 to 35 km per hour. It is inclusive of 25 divisible multiple-unit trains, spanning a total length of 1,910 meters.

The previous record of the longest passenger train journey was set by National Belgian Railway Company in 1991.

History of Switzerland’s train services

Switzerland, famed for its punctual railways, recently celebrated the 175^th anniversary of passenger train services. The first train service was launched on August 8, 1847, connecting Zurich with Baden. The rail line reduced the travel time from 3 hours to 45 minutes. It is still being used today.

Bernina/Albula Railway Line

Rhaetian Railway’s Albula and Bernina lines were recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage in 2008. Stretching a distance of 128 km, this transalpine railroad runs between Switzerland and Italy. It was built by Rhaetian Railway in the early years of 20^th century. The Albula line, which stretches from Thusis to St. Moritz, was completed in 1903 and the Bernina line, spanning from St. Moritz to Tirano, was completed in 1910. These two lines played a major role in the economic development of the region by providing the much-needed link between the previously isolated settlements to the Central Alps. It significantly boosted the tourism industry of Switzerland.

Month: Current Affairs – November, 2022

Category: International / World Current Affairs