Politics
The story of the NRLA is an excellent case study of Swiss politics at work. It takes the various regions and political camps almost 40 years to agree on the definitive routes and funding. As long as this may seem, it means that the NRLA enjoys the broadest possible support. It is also a vital instrument of Swiss foreign policy, playing a key role in negotiations with the European Union by connecting the northern and southern parts of Europe. On top of this, it is an environmentally friendly solution to dealing with increasing traffic flows.
Keywords on this topic Politics
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 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 eventVisionaries
Spühler, Gnägi, Bonvin, Ritschard, Schlumpf: Federal Councillors and NRLA visionaries.
View eventCar vs rail
Rail has held onto its lead for a long time, but with the opening of the Gotthard road tunnel in 1980 road transport through the Alps mounts a strong challenge.
View eventEnvironmental policy turnaround
In the 1970s, people become increasingly aware of ecological concerns. Attention focuses on forest dieback and protecting the Alpine environment. The NRLA is one of the beneficiaries.
View eventCoordination of rail transport
For a long time, road and rail planning and construction are uncoordinated. While the road network is progressively modernised, the railways lag behind. In 1981 the federal government steps in.
View eventMaking it happen
Ogi, Leuenberger, Leuthard: the Federal Councillors who implement the NRLA.
View eventCross-border solutions
A European transport conference in Frankfurt in 1989 gives its backing to rail transport. Adolf Ogi is there representing Switzerland.
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 eventNo to the EEA
Transport policy negotiations with Europe falter when Switzerland votes narrowly against joining the European Economic Area.
View eventYes to the Alps Initiative
The unexpected popular vote in favour of the Alps Initiative accelerates development of the NRLA.
View eventGreen light for the network option
The Federal Council confirms the network option for the NRLA, clearing the way for construction of the Gotthard-Ceneri and Lötschberg axes.
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 eventUri’s concerns
The canton of Uri is particularly affected by construction of the Gotthard axis. It wants the approach route to the rail tunnel to run underground. Negotiations with the Confederation run far from smoothly.
View eventYes to public transport funding
Funding for the NRLA is secured: over 30 billion francs are to be spent modernising Switzerland’s rail infrastructure.
View eventSupervision
Responsibility for ensuring that the large-scale project proceeds efficiently and in accordance with the law lies with parliament’s supervisory delegation.
View eventAdjustments go unnoticed
Almost unnoticed by the public at large, the Federal Council brings forward the previously postponed construction of the twin-track Zurich-Thalwil tunnel.
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 eventYes to the Ceneri Base Tunnel
Funding for the Ceneri tunnel is controversial. Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger argues strongly in its favour.
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 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 eventEscher forever?
The Gotthard line comes about thanks to Basel politics, new tunnel construction technology and an international consensus. Escher’s influence is overestimated.
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