Water replaces coal

1923
Proud of their work
Proud of their work

Cheerful workers pause for a moment to pose for the photographer. They are proud to be pioneers, electrifying the Gotthard line. (around 1920, SBB Historic)

Electrification of the rail network is a unique chapter in the history of technology in Switzerland: an affirmation of the nation's independence and a demonstration of its capabilities. Switzerland now gets its energy from its own hydroelectric plants rather than coal from Prussia. One pioneering achievement is the construction of the Lötschberg line from Spiez to Brig, on which the BLS begins operations in 1913. It is made possible by a link-up between Bern's rail and power station companies and the Swiss electrical and locomotive building industry. The Gotthard line is electrified immediately after the First World War, and the entire line from Basel to Chiasso by 1924. Electric locomotives are significantly heavier than steam locomotives, necessitating major structural changes. Many old iron bridges are replaced by reinforced concrete girder constructions.

« Initially there are minor fluctuations in the current strength, similar to the flow characteristics of bodies of water. »

E. Trechsel, Interference with the low-current installations due to the electrical operations of the Lötschberg railway, undated

Der elektrische Betrieb auf der Gotthardbahn

1922, SBB Historic / ABB

Der elektrische Betrieb auf der Gotthardbahn

Electric operation on the Gotthard railway , 1922 (SBB Historic / ABB)

Der elektrische Betrieb auf der Gotthardbahn

1922, SBB Historic / ABB

Der elektrische Betrieb auf der Gotthardbahn

Electric operation on the Gotthard railway , 1922 (SBB Historic / ABB)

808 metres

drop height of the water at the Ritom power station.

75 square millimetres

diameter of the first copper overhead conductor installed at the Gotthard.

3640 hp

developed by the legendary «Crocodile» locomotive built for the Gotthard at a speed of 45 km/h.

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