In 1970, having examined six options, the «Rail Tunnel through the Alps» commission comes out in favour of building a Gotthard Base Tunnel. It points to Switzerland's prominent position as a European transit country and recommends a swift start to construction. It sees an urgent need to increase capacities, especially for international through traffic. The route through the Alps should be funded as «part of an economic policy for the whole of Switzerland».

« The fundamental question is whether Switzerland can maintain its current standing in a unifying Europe. »

«Rail Tunnel through the Alps» commission, Concluding report, 22.06.1970