photo: Stadler/New Stadler unit for Mont-Blanc Express
The Alps just got a rail upgrade. With Stadler’s new Mont-Blanc Express fleet rolling out by 2026, cross-border transport between Switzerland and France is embracing a greener, more accessible future—and regional governments are all in.
The Mont-Blanc Express is undergoing a transformative fleet upgrade. On 24 April 2025, Stadler ceremonially delivered the first of seven new narrow-gauge trains to Swiss operator Transports de Martigny et Régions (TMR) and France’s SNCF. The new rolling stock will begin service in mid-2026, operating between Martigny, Switzerland and St-Gervais-les-Bains-le-Fayet, France. Manufactured in Bussnang, canton of Thurgau, the new Beh 4/8 units are tailored for the iconic Mont-Blanc Express line, known for its dramatic alpine landscapes and over a century of international service.
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Frédéric Evequoz, Stadler’s sales representative for customised vehicles, pointed out the environmental responsibility of the delivery process. "We transported the first train from Bussnang to Martigny by rail using a low-floor wagon," he said. From there, the train was transferred by lorry and placed on narrow-gauge tracks, then moved to TMR’s workshops in Vernayaz. It will undergo final commissioning and binational safety certification for operation in both Swiss and French networks.
Alpine Views and Accessibility: Features that Matter
The new modular trainsets are built for flexibility, allowing coupling of multiple units during peak periods. Passengers will benefit from panoramic windows offering uninterrupted views of the Alps, elevating the travel experience on the scenic line. Notably, the trains are designed for dual operation on both rack-and-pinion (mountain) and standard adhesion tracks. This enables double traction in steep segments, boosting capacity and route flexibility.
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In line with Switzerland’s BehiG accessibility legislation, the units are fully barrier-free, making them easier to board for passengers with reduced mobility. Energy-efficient systems enable brake energy recuperation, and the climate control systems adhere to strict environmental standards. The total cost of the seven trains is CHF 76 million (approx. EUR 79 million). Funding is shared between the Swiss Confederation, the canton of Valais, and France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (AURA) region. All seven units will be delivered by autumn 2025 and are expected to enter full service by mid-2026.
Political and Regional Commitment to Clean Transport
Frédéric Evequoz commented on the project’s broader significance: "We are pleased to contribute to improving passenger comfort on this unique route between Valais and Haute-Savoie. These vehicles represent a commitment to modern, green mobility, cross-border cooperation, and railway innovation in the Alpine region."
The Mont-Blanc Express has connected the two countries for over 100 years, with TMR operating the Swiss segment up to Le Châtelard and SNCF managing the French section.
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Source: RAILTARGET; Stadler