The Swiss Federal Council has proposed suspending roughly 70 rail expansion projects totaling 2.5 billion CHF to manage rising infrastructure costs. According to the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (Uvek), the move follows an ETH report recommending a focus on large-scale strategic projects rather than smaller, localized improvements.
Why is the Swiss government cutting rail projects?
The proposal, part of the “Verkehr 45” consultation draft presented Friday, responds to projected cost increases of up to 14 billion CHF for rail expansion through 2045. The government is basing its decision on a prioritization study by ETH Professor Ulrich Weidmann, which suggests focusing on “strategic network elements” with national impact.
The cuts primarily target smaller measures, such as additional crossing tracks, overtaking tracks, and turning tracks. While the Federal Office of Transport (BAV) admits these cuts will lead to noticeable reductions in service levels by 2035—specifically affecting the east-west axis between St. Gallen and Geneva—the government intends to maintain core services like the quarter-hourly frequency between Zurich and Bern.
What is the controversy in the Canton of Zurich?
The Canton of Zurich has issued fundamental criticism of the plan, arguing that the decision effectively nullifies the expansion step for 2035 that Parliament approved in 2019. Zurich officials warn that cutting small-scale improvements could undermine the effectiveness of major planned projects.
Specifically, Zurich fears that large-scale projects like the four-track expansion between Zurich and Winterthur (the Brüttener Tunnel) will not achieve their full utility without complementary infrastructure like platform extensions or crossing points. Zurich President Carmen Walker Späh (FDP) questioned the logic of funding new projects while existing ones remain incomplete.
“It is unacceptable that new billion-franc tourist projects like the Grimseltunnel are included before the infrastructure already under construction can exert its effect,” Walker Späh stated.
How will road infrastructure be affected?
The Federal Council is adopting a more cautious approach to national highways following a 2024 public rejection of previous expansion proposals. Instead of the roughly 30 projects previously discussed, the government is currently only proposing two capacity expansions: between Perly and Bernex, and between Aarau-Ost and Birrfeld.
This reduction has drawn sharp criticism from the Swiss Touring Club (VCS), which accused the Federal Council on Friday of cementing an outdated transport policy. Conversely, automobile associations have argued that the importance of road infrastructure is being insufficiently recognized.
The total planned investment of 24 billion CHF for rail expansion through 2045 remains contingent on the approval of the voters and cantons regarding the permanent continuation of the rail infrastructure VAT millesimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rail projects are being suspended?
The government intends to have Parliament forego approximately 70 expansion projects with a total volume of 2.5 billion CHF.
What is the main reason for these budget cuts?
The cuts are driven by limited financial resources and projected cost increases of up to 14 billion CHF for rail expansion through 2045.
What happens if the rail expansion plan is not approved?
The total 24 billion CHF investment in rail expansion through 2045 depends on the voters and cantons approving the permanent continuation of the rail infrastructure VAT millesimal.
How should the government balance large-scale strategic goals with local infrastructure needs?
