If you were compiling a list of Federal Councillors behind the NRLA, would it include Willy Spühler (SP, 1960–1965), Rudolf Gnägi (BGB, 1966–1968), Roger Bonvin (CVP, 1968–1973) and Willi Ritschard (SP, 1974–1979)? It certainly should. As Ministers of Transport, Energy, Post and Rail they advanced the first plans for a base tunnel through the Gotthard. Leon Schlumpf (SVP, 1979–1987) pushes ahead with planning for the NRLA, but then puts it on hold to focus on Rail 2000.
« The SBB are giving me sleepless nights. »
Willi Ritschard, Letter to Werner Latscha, 31 January 1975