The passenger train, nearly 2 kilometers long with 100 connected cars, traverses the stunning landscapes of the Swiss Alps.
The Capricorn train measures 1,910 meters in length, consisting of 25 separate train units. (Photo: Twitter).
The Rhaetian Railway Company (RhB) announced that they have set a new world record for the longest passenger train, coinciding with the celebration of the 175th anniversary of Switzerland’s famous railway system.
The train, named Capricorn, is 1,910 meters long and is made up of 25 separate train units, running along the Albula – Bernina route.
Renato Fasciati, the Director of RhB, stated: “We are celebrating 175 years of Swiss railways by striving to set a world record. For me, this is the epitome of Swiss perfection.”
The Rhaetian Railway Company is working to set a record for the longest passenger train in the world to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Swiss railway system. (Photo: AFP).
While there are cargo trains longer than this, some exceeding three kilometers, Capricorn is the longest passenger train ever to operate. A spokesperson for RhB noted that Capricorn is several hundred meters longer than a Belgian train that held an unofficial record in the 1990s.
The entire journey lasts over an hour, traveling along the Albula – Bernina route, from Preda station to Thusis, covering approximately 25 kilometers. This is one of the most scenic railway routes in the world, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008.
During the journey, the train passes through 22 tunnels, including several spiral tunnels through the mountains, and crosses 48 bridges, including the magnificent Landwasser Viaduct, which stands 65 meters high.
The train crosses the majestic Landwasser Viaduct, which is 65 meters high. (Photo: AFP).
Statistics show that over 3,000 ticket holders watched this historic event on a giant screen set up at a midpoint along the journey, near Bergun. Others lined the roads and trails in the mountains to catch a glimpse of the train as it passed through the Alps.
Swiss media broadcast aerial footage showing the train simultaneously at various locations. As the locomotive exited one tunnel, the cars behind were still gliding through other tunnels.
The roads leading to the viewing points were closed to vehicles, but many people hiked or cycled up the mountainside to find the best vantage points.
On the Albula – Bernina route, from Preda station to Thusis, the train passes through 22 tunnels and crosses 48 bridges. (Photo: AFP).
Holding the Guinness World Record certificate, Renato Fasciati shared that there were many challenges to ensure the safe operation of such a long train. Seven drivers and 21 technicians had to ensure that “all 25 train units operated in unison, accelerating and breaking” simultaneously, all “guided by the lead driver,” Fasciati explained.
Few countries have a railway network as dense as Switzerland, a nation renowned for its punctual trains.
