Switzerland proposes 24 billion franc railway expansion plan

Switzerland is reviewing its railway network development and future investment strategies. Over the decade between 2015 and 2025, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) operated track length increased from 3,172 kilometers to 3,258 kilometers, representing a 2.7 percent growth.

Looking forward, the Swiss Federal Council's ‘Verkehr 45’ program proposes investing 24 billion Swiss francs in railway expansion and 11 billion francs in national roads by 2045. Proposed major projects include the expansion of Zurich-Stadelhofen station, the first stage of the Lucerne underground station, and the construction of the Grimsel Tunnel.

The proposal faces significant criticism from various cantons. While Central Switzerland supports the package due to funding for the Lucerne underground station, the Eastern Swiss Cantonal Conference argues the plan fails to coordinate rail and road planning effectively. Zurich officials have expressed concerns regarding insufficient funding for essential supplementary infrastructure, such as double tracks and platform extensions, and have called for the cancellation of projects with poor cost-benefit ratios. Additionally, several Western Swiss cantons have voiced dissatisfaction over the potential delay or cancellation of major projects in their regions.