Text and Photos Michel Azéma

Funiculars of Switzerland

"Die Puschlaver Geisterbahn" Cavaglia
Graubünden

 

 

 

 



 

 

(photo Michel Azéma September 2002)
Description

The two hydroelectric power stations, Palü and Cavaglia, generate electricity with the waters which come from the Lago Bianco and Lago Palü and the Bernina Pass. This electricity supplies the Bernina Bahn railway and also the Poschiavo valley.

A tunnel links the two hydroelectric power stations with a difference of levels of 248 meters. In the tunnel the pressure pipeline for the water and since 1926 an underground incline cable railway is used alongside the pipeline to transport the power station employees.

In 2002, the Rhätische Bahn railway company and the Rätia Energie decided to create some kind of tourist tour inside the two hydroelectric power stations. Of course the main attraction of this tour is a downhill ride inside the tunnel with the incline railway.

Then on 10th July 2002 a new cable incline railway was opened to the public in Switzerland: "Die Puschlaver Geisterbahn".

The ride is impressive into the dark and narrow tunnel. The only carriage can transport 10 passengers, the seats are equipped with seat belt !

 
Map


 
Technical Datas


 
 Start
 1926
 Renovation
 1984
 Opening to public
 July 2002
End
----
Use
 Status
 
Type of funicular
Type of tracks
Energy
Lower station Zentrale Cavaglia
(1706 m)
Top station Zentrale Palü
(1954 m)
Length 800 m
Diff. of levels 248 m
Maximum Gradient 71 %
Gauge 0,6 m
Speed
2 m/s
Cars
1 of 10 pass
Manufacturer
Von Roll Habegger, Thun
Electronic
Frey AG, Stans
Rätia Energie

CH-7742 Poschiavo

Tel. +41 (81) 839 71 11
Fax +41 (81) 839 72 99

info@REpower.ch


 

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Michel Azéma, Paris (France)
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