Zentralbahn is facing a strategic decision regarding the long-term future of its proven HGe 4/4 II locomotives and articulated control cars. To support a well-founded decision on continued operation, targeted modernisation, or potential replacement, Zentralbahn has commissioned Enotrac to undertake a comprehensive technical and economic assessment.
About the project
Zentralbahn intends to continue operating four of its eight HGe 4/4 II locomotives and three articulated control cars. In the future, these vehicles will be deployed primarily on lower mileage services and increasingly in adhesion mode.
To inform this strategy, a technical study was commissioned to address key questions:What remaining service life, in both years and kilometres, can be expected from the vehicles?
- What upgrades or interventions are required to ensure their continued operation?
- Is continued operation economically viable compared with alternative options?
Our contribution
Enotrac conducted the technical study, providing a robust basis for decision-making on the continued operation of the HGe 4/4 II locomotives and the articulated control cars.
Our experts assessed:
- the current technical condition of the rolling stock,
- the scope of refit and modernisation measures required to enable continued operation through to 2035 or 2050,
- opportunities to optimise maintenance costs for the HGe 4/4 II locomotives,
- the overall technical and economic viability of the proposed operating strategy.
Drawing on extensive experience in rail vehicle engineering and maintenance optimisation, Enotrac delivers an objective and practical foundation for shaping Zentralbahn’s future fleet strategy.
Facts and Figures
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Client
Zentralbahn (zb)
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Period
Juni – Dezember 2025
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Location
Thun, Switzerland
