Results for Transport policy
The long-standing committee
The legendary Gotthard mountain range also gives its name to a committee. Dedicated to promoting development of the Alpine axis, it was formed in 1853.
View eventInauguration of the Gotthard Tunnel
When it opens, the first tunnel through the Gotthard is the longest rail tunnel in the world. It is mostly financed by foreign capital.
View eventThe second tunnel
After the Gotthard, the Simplon Tunnel becomes the second rail line through the Swiss Alps. Now, western Switzerland is connected to the south.
View eventNationalisation of the Gotthard Railway Company
The SBB is created following the nationalisation of Switzerland’s major private railways. The last to be integrated is the Gotthard, which proves to be the most profitable line.
View eventRoad vs rail
After the Second World War, plans are made for a road tunnel through the Gotthard. In 1963 the SBB call for a base tunnel, but the Federal Council favours the road solution.
View eventThe tunnel plan
Specialists arguing for a Gotthard Base Tunnel point to Switzerland’s important position as a European transit nation.
View eventThe abortive project begins
The plan for the first Gotthard Base Tunnel is thwarted by the economic crisis of the mid-1970s.
View eventThe overall transport strategy
The coordination of transport policy, with funding from the Confederation, forms an important basis for the NRLA.
View eventA dissertation revives a railway
Rarely has an academic dissertation caused such a political stir. Hans-Jörg Bertschi’s work lends new momentum to the NRLA.
View eventRail 2000
For all the talk of the NRLA, Rail 2000 is also a big part of the story. It encouraged the drive towards a denser rail network and an expanded infrastructure.
View eventNo link for Eastern Switzerland
A rail line through the eastern Alps is eastern Switzerland’s dream. While those hopes come to nought, the region is included in the network option.
View eventParliament backs the NRLA
Parliament’s backing for the construction of the NRLA is based on regional, environmental and European policy arguments.
View eventAgreement with Europe
Even before the Swiss people vote on the NRLA, politicians are discussing the project in their negotiations with the EEC.
View eventYes to the NRLA
Swiss voters approve the NRLA proposal by a clear majority, paving the way for construction of the new Gotthard, Ceneri and Lötschberg tunnels.
View eventThe NRLA and Europe
From the outset, business representatives and politicians view the NRLA as a project that will advance Switzerland’s integration into Europe.
View eventYes to the Alps Initiative
The unexpected popular vote in favour of the Alps Initiative accelerates development of the NRLA.
View eventTransport policy as financial policy
Federal Councillor Otto Stich is convinced that the NRLA will cost more than the estimated 14 billion Swiss francs.
View eventRotterdam–Genoa
Expansion of the Rotterdam–Genoa freight axis makes slow progress. Italy lags behind on sea-port links.
View eventThe SBB becomes a limited company
Rail Reform 1 aims at a gradual liberalisation of rail transport.
View eventThe end of the 28-tonne limit
For the first time, goods vehicles weighing forty tonnes are permitted to travel on Swiss roads. In return, the EU accepts the heavy vehicle fee.
View eventGeology and surveying
Tunnel construction depends on scientific knowledge. Geology helps to find ways through the rock.
View eventThe 5.4-billion stage
How much will the NRLA cost? Initial estimates quote a figure of 12 billion francs. In 2009 Parliament approves an additional and decisive sum of 5.4 billion.
View eventThe four-metre corridor
In order to transport the heavier loads, not only the tunnels but also other parts of the rail infrastructure need to be adapted.
View eventA vulnerable transport system
When the track subsides at Rastatt in summer 2017, traffic grinds to a halt. The collapse highlights the fragility of Europe’s rail system.
View event