Pilatus – the steepest railroad in the world

Running from the foot of the mountain at an altitude of 2,072 m, Pilatus in Switzerland is the planet’s steepest railroad track of 48%, running on rails that are 120 years old.

Pilatus – the world’s steepest railway line – photo 1
The Pilatus railway is 4.6 km long, connecting the Alpnachstad station at Lake Lucerne with a Pilatus station at an altitude of 2,072m. Photo: Mercury Press and Media Ltd.
Pilatus – the world’s steepest railway line – photo 2
The route was proposed by engineer Eduard Locher in 1873, but the plan was not implemented at the time.

Pilatus – the world’s steepest railway line – photo 3
By 1886, after the railway system and new gear were invented to help prevent the roll-over of the ship, this project was just begun, with about 750 Swiss and Italian workers working together. Photo: Roland Zumbuhl / Wikipedia.
Pilatus – the world’s steepest railway line – photo 4
On June 4, 1889, the Pilatus Railway was put into service, initially using steam traction and in March 1937, using electric motors.
Pilatus – the world’s steepest railway line – photo 5
Engineers Eduard Locher designed the automatic braking system, preventing the train from running too fast when downhill, ensuring the safety of passengers. Photo: Audriusa / Wikipedia.
Pilatus – the world’s steepest railway line – photo 6
Today, the railway operates from May to November every year, with 10 vehicles. Each car carrying 40 people, each year welcomed about 300,000 visitors. There are many ways to go up the mountain, but many tourists choose to follow this railway as the best experience. Photo: Alain Gavillet / Wikipedia.
Pilatus – the world’s steepest railway line – photo 7
Before that, each car takes 30 minutes to go up, 40 minutes down, moving at a speed of about 9km / h now the time is only half. Photo: Flickr / jeaneeem.
Pilatus – the world’s steepest railway line – photo 8
One of the first two cars is on display at the Deutsches Museum in Munich, Germany, the world’s largest museum of science and technology. Photo: Henning Scholottmann / Wikipedia.