Swiss rail network liberalization and expansion
Switzerland is opening its rail network to EU companies and detailing significant expansion plans for 2045, including 85 projects totaling CHF 5.2 billion under the "Future Development of Rail Infrastructure" (ZEB) program, as of April 25, 2026. As of April 25, 2026: The country is investing heavily in infrastructure, with CHF 16.4 billion allocated for maintenance and modernization between 2025 and 2028, and the "Transport '45" program endorsing at least CHF 10 billion for priority rail projects like the Zimmerberg Base Tunnel II. Major construction on the Brütten Tunnel is set to begin in summer 2026, despite concerns over rising infrastructure costs and potential budget shortfalls for the 2035 phase. Switzerland is also enhancing international services with new direct routes to European destinations and contributing to German rail network upgrades to improve cross-border links, with journey times expected to be cut starting in 2027. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) plans to acquire up to 40 high-speed trains and aims for quarter-hourly services between Zurich and Bern by 2035.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this storyTimeline of developments
April 2026 — 12 developments
Switzerland is detailing its significant rail network expansion plans aiming for 2045, including the…
Switzerland is detailing its significant rail network expansion plans aiming for 2045, including the "Future Development of Rail Infrastructure" (ZEB) program with 85 projects totaling CHF 5.2 billion, and the "STEP ES 2025" and "STEP ES 2035" programs involving around 60 projects costing CHF 5.5 billion. These initiatives aim to increase capacity and improve passenger and freight services.
Switzerland is opening its rail network to companies from EU countries, allowing them to operate independently on domestic routes under strict regulations.
Switzerland is opening its rail network to companies from EU countries, allowing them to operate independently on domestic routes under strict regulations. This move is part of a broader effort to modernize and expand the country's rail infrastructure and boost cross-border travel. The government is investing heavily in projects like the New Rail Link through the Alps (NRLA) and upgrades in the Zurich region.
An ETH Zurich review is addressing rising infrastructure costs and potential budget shortfalls for Switzerland's rail expansion plans, particularly for the 2035 phase.
An ETH Zurich review is addressing rising infrastructure costs and potential budget shortfalls for Switzerland's rail expansion plans, particularly for the 2035 phase. Despite these challenges, major construction on the Brütten Tunnel is set to begin in summer 2026, with funding partly supported by a proposed VAT surcharge.
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is prioritizing sustainable construction methods for its new and ongoing rail projects, including tunnels and station modernizations.
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is prioritizing sustainable construction methods for its new and ongoing rail projects, including tunnels and station modernizations. This approach aligns with the broader Swiss government strategy for rail network expansion and capacity enhancement.
Switzerland is enhancing international rail services with new direct routes to European destinations like Rimini, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille for the summer.
Switzerland is enhancing international rail services with new direct routes to European destinations like Rimini, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille for the summer. The government is also contributing to German rail network upgrades to improve connections to Swiss cities. These initiatives are part of a broader plan to expand the national rail network by 2045, integrating various transport modes and canceling over 30 road projects, with a public consultation scheduled for June.
Switzerland is allocating 16.
Switzerland is allocating 16.4 billion francs for rail network maintenance and modernization between 2025 and 2028. Additionally, Switzerland is investing in the electrification and expansion of a rail network in Germany to enhance cross-border links, with journey times expected to be cut starting in 2027.
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is preparing to acquire up to 40 high-speed trains and plans a new Zurich depot for S-Bahn trains by 2032.
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is preparing to acquire up to 40 high-speed trains and plans a new Zurich depot for S-Bahn trains by 2032. By 2035, SBB aims for quarter-hourly services between Zurich and Bern, and half-hourly services on the Bern-Lucerne and Basel-Zurich lines.
Switzerland's Federal Council endorsed the "Transport '45" program in January 2026, allocating at le…
Switzerland's Federal Council endorsed the "Transport '45" program in January 2026, allocating at least CHF 10 billion for priority rail projects like the Zimmerberg Base Tunnel II and an expanded Basel SBB hub. The program aims for 15-minute intervals on the Bern–Zürich axis and half-hourly inter-city links nationwide. Additionally, CHF 1.4 billion has been approved for the second construction phase of the Zimmerberg Base Tunnel.
The 'Air Rail' network has expanded to include Grindelwald as its 25th destination through a new agreement with Jungfrau Railways.
The 'Air Rail' network has expanded to include Grindelwald as its 25th destination through a new agreement with Jungfrau Railways. Additionally, plans are in place to enhance the rail connection between Biel/Bienne, Lausanne, and Geneva by 2030.
Switzerland's government plans to award contracts for new high-speed trains in 2026 to enhance cross-border travel.
Switzerland's government plans to award contracts for new high-speed trains in 2026 to enhance cross-border travel. New direct routes from Zurich to Florence and Livorno are expected in 2026, alongside a nationwide weekend night network from the end of 2026.
SBB is investing CHF 755 million in a new railway industrial plant in Arbedo-Castione, set for completion by 2028, to maintain new electric trains and locomotives.
SBB is investing CHF 755 million in a new railway industrial plant in Arbedo-Castione, set for completion by 2028, to maintain new electric trains and locomotives. Additionally, major construction for the EUR 3.6 billion Zurich-Winterthur line expansion, including the Brütten Tunnel, is slated to begin in summer 2026, with tunnel excavation starting in 2029 and an expected opening in 2037.
The Swiss government is proposing to allocate CHF 3.
The Swiss government is proposing to allocate CHF 3.4 billion between 2026 and 2028 to support regional public transport, with a public consultation planned for June. Swiss Federal Railways will also introduce new night train services, including a route from Basel SBB to Copenhagen/Malmö starting in spring 2026.
March 2026 — 5 developments
The expansion of the Lötschberg Base Tunnel to two tracks throughout is planned by approximately 2034.
The expansion of the Lötschberg Base Tunnel to two tracks throughout is planned by approximately 2034. This upgrade aims to increase capacity and operational stability on this critical rail route.
Major construction for the EUR 3.
Major construction for the EUR 3.6 billion Zurich-Winterthur line expansion, including the Brütten Tunnel, is slated to begin in the summer of 2026. The Swiss government's national transport plan up to 2045 prioritizes rail expansion, proposing to drop over 30 road projects and fund upgrades through an extended VAT surcharge.
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is preparing to launch a tender process in 2026 for up to 40 multi-syst…
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is preparing to launch a tender process in 2026 for up to 40 multi-system high-speed trains for cross-border routes to Italy, France, and potentially Barcelona and London. Major construction for the four-lane expansion of the Zurich-Winterthur line, including the Brütten Tunnel, is slated to begin in summer 2026, with the tunnel expected to open in 2037.
The Swiss government plans to expand its rail network by 2045, including a four-track expansion betw…
The Swiss government plans to expand its rail network by 2045, including a four-track expansion between Olten and Aarau, and aims for quarter-hourly services between Zurich and Bern by 2035. Funding will be supported by an extension of a VAT surcharge for the Rail Infrastructure Fund.
SBB is initiating a CHF3.
SBB is initiating a CHF3.3 billion multi-track project between Zurich and Winterthur, involving a new tunnel to expand the line to four tracks and increase rail traffic by 30%. Additionally, SBB plans to lease up to 40 high-speed trains for international expansion to France and Italy, extending the TGV Lyria service to 2032.
February 2026 — 2 developments
The Swiss Federal Council intends to allocate CHF16.
The Swiss Federal Council intends to allocate CHF16.4 billion for railway infrastructure from 2025 to 2028 and plans a direct link to London by 2030. Hitachi Rail secured a CHF1.4 billion contract to modernize the country's signaling infrastructure over the next two decades. The government also proposes extending the VAT surcharge beyond 2030 to fund rail upgrades, potentially raising an additional CHF8 billion by 2045.
The Waldenburg Railway has become the first Swiss line to operate semi-automated GoA2 trains, approved by the Swiss Federal Office of Transport.
The Waldenburg Railway has become the first Swiss line to operate semi-automated GoA2 trains, approved by the Swiss Federal Office of Transport. Additionally, SWISS and SBB expanded their Air Rail network to include St. Gallen, Konstanz, and Locarno, effective October 27, 2025.
January 2026 — 4 developments
The Federal Office of Transport approved the expansion of the Zurich-Winterthur railway corridor, in…
The Federal Office of Transport approved the expansion of the Zurich-Winterthur railway corridor, including the Brütten Tunnel, and specific routes like Biel/Bienne-Lausanne-Geneva are slated for improvement. Six Swiss cantons have also formally requested the CHF 24 billion rail network expansion.
The Swiss government has unveiled a unified transport strategy through 2045, prioritizing rail expansion by dropping over 30 road projects.
The Swiss government has unveiled a unified transport strategy through 2045, prioritizing rail expansion by dropping over 30 road projects. The plan aims to introduce quarter-hourly rail services between Zurich and Bern by 2035. The total budget for rail expansion is projected to reach CHF 24 billion by 2045.
The Federal Council confirmed the direct railway line project between La Chaux-de-Fonds and Neuchâte…
The Federal Council confirmed the direct railway line project between La Chaux-de-Fonds and Neuchâtel, integrating it into the broader transport infrastructure development plan by 2045.
A joint venture led by Implenia secured contracts worth approximately CHF 1.
A joint venture led by Implenia secured contracts worth approximately CHF 1.7 billion for the 'MehrSpur Zurich-Winterthur' project, which includes constructing a new double-track railway line through the 8.3 km Brüttener tunnel.
December 2025 — 1 developments
The European Union is planning an extensive high-speed rail network expansion that could potentially…
The European Union is planning an extensive high-speed rail network expansion that could potentially bypass Switzerland, even as the SBB focuses on increasing direct day connections to various European cities.
November 2025 — 1 developments
Siemens Mobility and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) signed a strategic framework agreement to digitali…
Siemens Mobility and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) signed a strategic framework agreement to digitalize Switzerland's interlocking systems over the next 20 years, involving the modernization of approximately 500 interlockings with the first commissioning scheduled for 2026.
October 2025 — 1 developments
The Swiss government outlined its intention to proceed with transport network expansion based on a report from ETH Zurich.
The Swiss government outlined its intention to proceed with transport network expansion based on a report from ETH Zurich. The environment and transport ministry is set to propose projects by the end of January 2026, with plans for separate referendums on rail and road decisions.
May 2025 — 1 developments
The Federal Council adopted a proposal to provide CHF 3.
The Federal Council adopted a proposal to provide CHF 3.4 billion to support regional public transport by rail, bus, cable car, and boat between 2026 and 2028, submitting it to Parliament for approval.
January 2025 — 1 developments
Transport Minister Albert Rösti announced a new "Transport 45" strategy aimed at combining investmen…
Transport Minister Albert Rösti announced a new "Transport 45" strategy aimed at combining investment in road and rail infrastructure, following the public rejection of road expansion. ETH Zurich was commissioned to advise on the proposal, with results expected by autumn 2025 and a parliamentary decision targeted for 2027.
November 2024 — 1 developments
Swiss voters rejected a federal government plan to expand key sections of the motorway network, with 52.
Swiss voters rejected a federal government plan to expand key sections of the motorway network, with 52.7% voting against the CHF 4.9-5.3 billion proposal, marking a significant turning point in the country's transport policy.
May 2024 — 2 developments
The Swiss Federal Council requested CHF 188.
The Swiss Federal Council requested CHF 188.8 million for investments in private rail freight facilities, such as terminals and sidings, for the period between 2025 and 2028, with the decision pending parliamentary approval.
The Swiss federal government plans to invest CHF16.
The Swiss federal government plans to invest CHF16.4 billion in railway infrastructure between 2025 and 2028. This represents an increase of CHF2 billion compared to the current period, intended to cover rising prices and provide additional resources for railway projects.
March 2024 — 2 developments
The Swiss Parliament approved key changes to the long-term railway investment programs, Ausbauschrit…
The Swiss Parliament approved key changes to the long-term railway investment programs, Ausbauschritte 2025 and 2035, adding approximately CHF 3 billion to the cost, bringing the total to CHF 23 billion. Parliament also formally approved the overarching "Perspektive Bahn 2050" strategy.
Voestalpine Railway Systems has secured long-term contracts with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) for infrastructure components, including axle counting systems.
Voestalpine Railway Systems has secured long-term contracts with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) for infrastructure components, including axle counting systems. This agreement is part of broader infrastructure expansion efforts in Switzerland. SBB is also preparing to procure up to 40 new high-speed trains, with tenders expected to launch in 2026.
August 2023 — 1 developments
The Federal Council officially adopted the "Perspective Rail 2050" strategy, outlining plans for significant expansion of short, medium, and long-distance rail services.
The Federal Council officially adopted the "Perspective Rail 2050" strategy, outlining plans for significant expansion of short, medium, and long-distance rail services. This included proposals for new major projects like a tunnel in Canton Vaud, the full expansion of the Lötschberg base tunnel, and the Grimsel tunnel, with a request for an additional CHF 2.6 billion from parliament.