Swiss train manufacturer Stadler has delivered the first of seven new trains for the popular tourist line Mont-Blanc Express. Scheduled to start passenger service in mid-2026, the modern trains will replace the existing fleet on the picturesque route between Martigny, Switzerland, and St-Gervais-les-Bains-le-Fayet, France.
The official delivery of the first train took place in Martigny on 24 April 2025. Stadler announced that all seven trains are planned to be delivered by autumn 2025. Stadler Sales Director Frédéric Evequoz stated that the first vehicle was transported from the factory in Bussnang, Switzerland, to Martigny in an environmentally friendly manner. The train, which arrived in Martigny, was then loaded onto a truck and rolled off the narrow-gauge railway for further testing and commissioning.
Highlights of the New Mont-Blanc Express Trains:
The new Mont-Blanc Express trains feature a modular design that allows multiple units to be linked together to increase passenger capacity. a modular design has. In order for passengers to enjoy uninterrupted views of the stunning Alps, large panoramic windows In terms of technical features, the new trains offer the following advantages:
- Dual Mode Operation: These trains can run smoothly on both toothed and normal (sticky) rails. They can also operate with double traction to maximize capacity, especially on steep toothed rail sections.
- Full Accessibility: The trains, which are fully compliant with the Swiss Disability Discrimination Act, have been specially designed to allow passengers with reduced mobility to board and exit the train easily.
- Energy efficiency: Thanks to the regenerative braking systems in trains, the energy generated during braking is converted into electricity and transferred back to the grid.
- Sustainability: The new trains are equipped with energy-efficient air conditioning systems and are manufactured in accordance with high environmental standards.
Part of a Larger Public Transport Modernization
The major project is part of a broader initiative to improve public transport services in the region, supported by the Swiss Confederation, the canton of Valais and the French region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The total project cost for the seven new trains is CHF 76 million (approximately US$84,5 million).
“We are delighted to significantly increase passenger comfort on the scenic Mont-Blanc Express line between Valais and Haute-Savoie,” said Frédéric Evequoz. “These new vehicles are a concrete demonstration of our commitment to sustainable travel, cross-border cooperation and technological innovation in the Alps.”
The Mont-Blanc Express has been connecting Martigny and St-Gervais for over a century. The Swiss section of the line is operated by TMR (Transports de Martigny et Régions), while services in France are provided by SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français). With the introduction of the new trains, the journey experience on this iconic route is expected to improve significantly.
