Gotthard or Splügen?

19 December 1979
Planning with verve
Planning with verve

The Splügen rail tunnel was never built. It would have connected Thusis with Chiavenna. In 1965, the study committee graphically illustrates one of the tunnel portals. (1965, Swiss Federal Archives)

The group appointed by the Federal Council to assess rail transit through the Gotthard and the Splügen presents its report at the end of 1979. It concludes that a new tunnel through the Gotthard would be more profitable, but the Splügen would have greater benefits for the regional economy. The group recommends involving Switzerland's neighbours and the European Economic Community in the decision on a new rail line through the Alps.

« In economic terms, the advantages of the southern border station for Switzerland are lost with the Splügen option. »

Report by the «Gotthard/Splügen Rail Transit Line» focus group, Report, p. 61, 1979
2'805 m Swiss francs

cost of the Gotthard base line, according to the Gotthard/Splügen Rail Transit Line group.

4'880 m Swiss francs

cost of the cheaper option for the Splügen base line, according to the Gotthard/Splügen Rail Transit Line group.

13:10 cantons

13 cantons in favour of the Gotthard and 10 in favour of the Splügen in the 1980/81 consultation process, with 3 cantons undecided.

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