Data through the Alps: how IoT is making the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway safer
The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB) connects people and places in one of Switzerland's most spectacular mountain regions. MGB relies on an Internet of Things (IoT) solution from Swisscom, to ensure that the trains run reliably and safely. The project increases operational safety, optimizes resource planning and creates the basis for a digital future.
IoT Solution for Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn 4 min
- Operator of 144 km of railroad line with 170 bridges and 80 tunnels
- Millions of passengers every year
- Claim: safety and availability even in extreme weather conditions
- Focus on digitalization and increasing efficiency
- Introduction of a scalable IoT platform
- Connectivity via Swisscom LoRaWAN and mobile radio
- Integration of battery-powered sensors for environmental and status data
- Cybersecurity and investment protection
Challenges in the high mountains
The Matterhorn Gotthard Railway operates in one of the most challenging environments in Europe: extreme altitudes, changing weather conditions and a complex infrastructure with 170 bridges and 80 tunnels. To ensure smooth operation, maintenance work must be planned precisely and safety risks identified at an early stage. Until now, locating wagons and recording environmental data has been time-consuming and error-prone - a risk for operational safety and cost control.
"Emotions are what drive us," says Alfons Noti, Safety Systems Manager at MGB. But for the emotions to remain positive, everything must work in the background. For MGB, digitalization is not an end in itself, but the basis for efficiency and safety.
The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn operates in one of Switzerland's most breathtaking regions.
Weather conditions and the high altitude of the route present a significant challenge.
IoT sensors are used for locating carriages and collecting environmental data.
On Track to Digitalization with IoT
Together with Swisscom, MGB has developed an IoT solution that addresses precisely these challenges. Data from battery-powered sensors and trackers is collected and processed on a central platform. The sensors record temperature, wind speed and snow depth at exposed locations, while trackers report the position of wagons and trains - even where there is no power supply.
"We wanted a solution that was flexible and offered us investment protection" explains Alfons Noti. "There are many providers, but it was important to us that we could rely on a stable platform and long-term support. And, of course, the cybersecurity had to be right." MGB's IT department also tested an in-house solution. The comparison showed that specific expertise in reliable sensor technology, connectivity and security cannot be built up to the necessary depth and secured in the long term in every company.
Data is transmitted securely via LoRaWAN. Swisscom not only provided the technology but also supported MGB with the integration into existing systems and the implementation of strict security requirements. The collaboration was based on partnership and iterative: "We were able to make constant adjustments during the project. That was crucial for us" says Noti.
More safety, lower costs and a clear vision
The benefits are clear: maintenance work can be planned preventively; breakdowns are avoided and resource planning for night shifts is more efficient than ever. A single unplanned downtime can cause very high costs - these risks can now be minimized. "In the past, we had to make phone calls and hope that everything was ready. Today, we can see at a glance where our vehicles are."
Safety also benefits: snow drifts or icy overhead lines can be detected at an early stage before they lead to dangerous situations.
At the same time, the platform creates the basis for future innovations such as digital twins and automated processes. MGB's vision: a fully networked system that redefines safety and efficiency in the Swiss Alps. "We finally have the platform, now we can act. Our journey has only just begun."