The upgrade of the Montreux–Les Rochers-de-Naye mountain railway with Stadler’s innovative CBTC signalling system NOVA Pro marks a new milestone in the modernisation of the line. Following the announcement earlier this year of new rolling stock, this step reinforces the operator’s commitment to delivering a safer, more efficient and fully automated rail service.
Modernisation of an iconic Swiss mountain route
Transports Montreux–Vevey–Riviera (MVR) is continuing the modernisation of the line connecting Montreux with Les Rochers-de-Naye, a route renowned for its panoramic views of the Vaud Alps and Lake Geneva. After a public tender process, MVR awarded Stadler the contract to renew the safety systems and equip the entire 11-kilometre single-track line, including eight stations and a new depot, with the NOVA Pro system.
The system will be installed both in the new trains and in service locomotives, ensuring maximum operational safety and efficiency.
One system for all train control functions
The NOVA Pro technology integrates all key train control functions into one comprehensive platform:
- Automatic Train Protection (ATP): continuously monitors train speed and intervenes if limits are exceeded, warning the driver or automatically applying emergency brakes when necessary.
- Automatic Train Supervision (ATS): oversees and coordinates train movements, enabling higher service frequencies and optimised traffic flow.
- Automatic Train Operation (ATO): manages automated acceleration and braking, ensuring smooth, energy-efficient operation.
Together, these elements form a scalable, high-performance solution for a modern railway. With the introduction of this advanced system, MVR is taking a major technological step forward, deploying one of the most sophisticated signalling systems currently available.
Proven technology for Swiss narrow-gauge railways
For Stadler, the Rochers-de-Naye project marks its second order for NOVA Pro in Switzerland on a cogwheel railway, following the pioneering deployment for Appenzeller Bahnen AG. The system builds on industrial-standard components that have already proven their reliability in recent interlocking projects, including for the Montreux Oberland Bernois (MOB).
“With the introduction of NOVA Pro, we are making a decisive technological step forward,” said Ronald Doppler, Project Manager for Rochers-de-Naye Infrastructure. “This modern signalling system enables us to operate our mountain line safely and reliably. It ensures that we can continue offering our passengers flexible and efficient mobility in the long term.”
Marc Trippel, EVP Stadler Signalling, added: “By choosing our CBTC system NOVA Pro, MVR becomes the third transport company in Switzerland to adopt this pioneering technology. MVR is taking a decisive step for the future operation of its mountain railway between Montreux and Les Rochers-de-Naye. We are proud of this collaboration and confident that this project will further boost innovation among Switzerland’s narrow-gauge railways.”
Synergies between trains and signalling
In May 2025, Stadler and MVR also announced an order for eight new panoramic cogwheel trains to be delivered from 2029 for the Rochers-de-Naye line. By also providing the signalling technology, Stadler is creating strong synergies between the new trains and the CBTC system.
This integrated approach ensures optimal compatibility between vehicles and infrastructure, paving the way for a smooth commissioning process once the new fleet and safety systems enter service.
The upgrade is a key part of MVR’s broader strategy to combine tradition with cutting-edge technology, securing the long-term sustainability of one of Switzerland’s most iconic mountain railways.
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