Key Findings
Stadler has initiated performance testing for a hydrogen-powered narrow-gauge train destined for the regional transport operator Azienda Regionale Sarda Trasporti (ARST) in Sardinia. Testing began in mid-October 2026 on a specialized test track located between Hemishofen and Ramsen in Switzerland. This facility enables the manufacturer to identify and resolve technical issues prior to the delivery of vehicles to Italy.
Technical Details
The test track, developed in collaboration with Bahninfra AG and Müller Gleisbau, was completed in spring 2026. It extends nearly four kilometers and utilizes a third rail integrated within an existing standard-gauge track to accommodate the 950 mm gauge. The testing program focuses on the following technical parameters:
- Hydrogen propulsion system performance across varying speeds.
- Operational stability at different hydrogen tank levels.
- Acceleration and braking metrics required for type approval.
Background and Context
Previously, Stadler was limited to testing 950 mm-gauge trains on their intended operating networks because equivalent infrastructure did not exist outside of Italy. The new Swiss facility provides a localized environment near Stadler’s factory in Bussnang. The 950 mm gauge is utilized across several southern Italian regional networks, including those in Apulia, Sicily, the Naples area, and Sardinia. Additionally, the existing standard-gauge portion of the track has been used to test the FLIRT H2 hydrogen train developed for California.
Significance and Outlook
Over the next three years, the facility will support the commissioning of 21 hydrogen trains planned for Sardinia, Calabria, and Sicily. For ARST, the completion of the Swiss testing phase allows for the prompt launch of final trials on the Sardinian railway network. This transition toward hydrogen propulsion is intended to advance zero-emission mobility goals and energy self-sufficiency for the regional operator.
Source: https://railway-news.com/stadler-tests-worlds-first-narrow-gauge-hydrogen-train-for-sardinia/
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