Between Hemishofen and Ramsen, Stadler has built a narrow-gauge track with a track gauge of 950 millimeters. From mid-October 2026, this test track will allow Stadler to efficiently test trains for Italian regional transport. This will subsequently simplify the commissioning of the vehicles on site. The hydrogen train for Sardinia is the first vehicle to complete test runs on the new track.

In southern Italy's regional rail network, there are lines with a special track gauge of 950 millimeters. For example, trains with the "Italian meter gauge" run in Apulia, around Mount Etna in Sicily, in the Naples area, and in Sardinia.

To test vehicles with this track gauge, Stadler, together with Bahninfra AG and Müller Gleisbau, constructed a corresponding narrow-gauge track between the Hemishofen and Ramsen (SH) train stations in the spring of 2026. The nearly four-kilometer-long track runs as a third rail within the existing standard-gauge track between the two stations. The FLIRT H2 hydrogen train for California had already completed its test runs on this standard-gauge track _. This success story led to the idea of ​​extending the test track to include a narrow-gauge section.

World premiere begins test operation

The first vehicle to be tested on the test track is the world's first narrow-gauge hydrogen train, which Stadler manufactured for Azienda Regionale Sarda Trasporti (ARST) in Sardinia. Between Hemishofen and Ramsen, the vehicles and their systems will be tested for performance and reliability under real-world conditions starting in mid-October 2026.

Tests in Switzerland for efficient commissioning in Italy

“Since there are no narrow-gauge networks outside of Italy with the track gauge typical of southern Italy, these vehicles could previously only be tested on their intended routes in Italy,” explains Ansgar Brockmeyer, Division Head of Marketing & Sales and Deputy Group CEO of Stadler. “Thanks to the test track, we can already test the trains in Switzerland and, due to its proximity to our plant in Bussnang, optimize them quickly and efficiently. This significantly accelerates the subsequent commissioning on-site in Italy. Both the customer and passengers benefit equally.”

Alessio Salvatore, project manager of the hydrogen train, says: “After its arrival in Hemishofen, we will focus on testing the hydrogen propulsion system. The vehicle will be tested with varying hydrogen tank levels and at different speeds. This will be followed by further tests relevant to certification, including acceleration and braking performance. Every successfully completed test brings us one step closer to deploying the vehicle on the route in Italy.”

“The upcoming delivery of the new hydrogen trains is an important milestone for ARST. The vehicles will arrive in Sardinia already thoroughly tested, allowing us to quickly begin final trials on our network. The start of these test runs marks another step towards emission-free mobility. At the same time, this milestone underscores the successful collaboration with Stadler,” says Carlo Poledrini, CEO of ARST.

The test track will play a central role in the commissioning of the hydrogen fleet that Stadler is manufacturing for the Italian regions of Sardinia, Calabria, and Sicily over the next three years. A total of 21 vehicles will be tested on the track.

Source:   FCW Team