Switzerland to Expand Rail Network, Drop Road Projects
The Swiss Federal Council announced on February 23, 2026, a CHF16.4 billion allocation for railway infrastructure from 2025 to 2028, with plans for a direct rail link to London by 2030, while dropping over 30 road projects. As of February 23, 2026, the government intends to extend the VAT surcharge beyond 2030 to fund rail upgrades, potentially raising an additional CHF8 billion by 2045, and Hitachi Rail secured a CHF1.4 billion contract to modernize signaling infrastructure. The Federal Office of Transport approved the expansion of the Zurich-Winterthur railway corridor, including the Brütten Tunnel, and six Swiss cantons formally requested the CHF 24 billion rail network expansion. The unified transport strategy through 2045 aims to introduce quarter-hourly rail services between Zurich and Bern by 2035. Siemens Mobility and SBB also signed a strategic framework agreement to digitalize Switzerland's interlocking systems over the next 20 years, with the first commissioning scheduled for 2026.
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Track this story2026
6 updates
2026
6 updatesThe 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. Additionally, SWISS and SBB expanded their Air Rail network to include St. Gallen, Konstanz, and Locarno, effective October 27, 2025.
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 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 Neuchâtel, integrating it into the broader transport infrastructure development plan by 2045.
via rtn.ch
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.
via implenia.com
2025
5 updates
2025
5 updatesThe 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.
via srf.ch
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.
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.
via railtech.com·iamexpat.ch·railwaygazette.com·railfreight.com·lenews.ch
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.
via railtech.com·iamexpat.ch·railwaygazette.com·railfreight.com·lenews.ch
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.
via railtech.com·iamexpat.ch·railwaygazette.com·railfreight.com·lenews.ch
2024
4 updates
2024
4 updatesSwiss 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.
via railtech.com·iamexpat.ch·railwaygazette.com·railfreight.com·lenews.ch
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.
via railtech.com·iamexpat.ch·railwaygazette.com·railfreight.com·lenews.ch
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.
via swissinfo.ch
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.
via railtech.com·iamexpat.ch·railwaygazette.com·railfreight.com·lenews.ch
2023
1 update
2023
1 updateThe 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.
via railtech.com·iamexpat.ch·railwaygazette.com·railfreight.com·lenews.ch
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