by Xinhua writer Lian Yi

CHUR, Switzerland, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- As the Swiss Alps usher in the winter tourism season, commuters and tourists alike aboard the scenic trains passing through Ospizio Bernina, the highest rail-crossing train station in the Alps, are not merely traveling -- they're embarking on a journey through time. As the train glides across century-old stone viaducts, passengers can scan QR codes for audio guides on their hydroelectric-powered ride.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, the Albula-Bernina railway is an inspiring example of Switzerland's ability to harmonize tradition with modernity, balancing heritage preservation with contemporary development.

ENGINEERING WONDER

The Albula-Bernina railway, one-third of the century-old Rhaetian Railway (RhB), spans 122 km from Thusis, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy, traversing 196 bridges, 55 tunnels, and 20 towns across alpine landscapes.

"You can see all these different seasons and landscapes, from snow-covered peaks to sunny Italian valleys, all within just one hour," said Renato Fasciati, CEO of the Rhaetian Railway.

Fasciati attributes the railway's UNESCO status to three key qualities: its iconic stone viaducts, its seamless integration into the Alpine landscape with stunning views, and its continued operation, with well-preserved stone bridges and tunnels still serving commuters and tourists as they did over a century ago.

"Over a century ago, using only local materials like stone and wood, the railway and tunnels were built in just five years," Fasciati said.

"We know the value of such old things, but these old things also should be in use, not only in a museum," said Karl Baumann, head of engineering at Rhatische Bahn.

Felix Amberg, president of Amberg Group AG, the Swiss engineering company in charge of Albula-Bernina railway maintenance, highlighted the railway's dual identity as both a historical treasure and a functional modern system.

"The Albula-Bernina railway line is more than a relic of the past," Amberg said. "It operates on a historic track but boasts modern features like electrification and Wi-Fi, seamlessly integrating into our daily transport network. It's not just a preserved artifact in the museum for you to see how it was in the past; it's a living, breathing part of our infrastructure, serving commuters and tourists every day."

LIVING PIECE OF HISTORY

The Albula-Bernina railway exemplifies innovative solutions to integrate historical heritage organically with contemporary life and sustainability.

The RhB now operates all its trains except historic vintage trains using 100 percent hydroelectric energy, aligning with Switzerland's commitment to sustainable transportation.

"I am convinced that innovation and tradition do not exclude themselves. You can bring these two things together. We have to establish a system to renew these tunnels while keeping them operational, ensuring the character of the tracks and infrastructure remains unchanged," said Fasciati.

"All bridges, tunnels, and retaining walls of the Albula line, with stone infrastructure of 111 years old, remain unchanged in their original state," said Baumann.

"The refurbishment of retaining walls is done using traditional stone techniques, as it is not allowed to put concrete on the surface for the sake of UNESCO standards," Baumann added.

"Maintaining a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique responsibility. While the outward appearance of bridges and tunnels must remain unchanged, we use cutting-edge technology like drones and advanced construction methods to ensure safety and structural integrity," said Amberg.

"Every night, we work to refurbish a few meters of the tunnel, ensuring everything is safe and ready for trains by morning. This approach minimizes disruptions while maintaining safety and operational efficiency," Amberg said.

"Our night-time refurbishment work allows trains to operate daily, striking a delicate balance between preservation and modernization," Amberg added.

HEART OF THE ALPS

Today, railways in Switzerland are deeply intertwined with culture and identity, as they connect remote communities and bring tourists to the heart of the Alps.

"It's a railway, but it's also a railway in the landscape," said Fasciati. "It's a railway deeply connected to the people who live here, as well as those who come to visit. It connects communities, transports goods, and offers an unforgettable tourism experience."

In Switzerland, many people are great fans of vintage items like old industrial ships, locomotives, and cars, said Baumann. "Many clubs are dedicated to restoring and renovating old locomotives and ships."

"Thanks to the Rhaetian Railway, restaurants in the vicinity are able to serve high-quality meals made with fresh vegetables, meat, and fish, providing visitors with a classy ambiance even in this secluded area," said Giovanni Muller, a worker at the Ospizio station and a resident of Poschiavo, a small town along the railway line.

"The century-old Rhaetian Railway is not just a means of transport," said Fasciati. "It's something people are proud of -- not just a way to get from A to B, but a wonderful experience of nature, history, and technique." Enditem

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