Yes to the NRLA

26 September 1992
Uri’s bull versus the pickaxe
Uri’s bull versus the pickaxe

The NRLA referendum campaign is vigorously contested, especially in the canton of Uri. Opposition posters feature the bull from the canton’s coat of arms felled by a rail line, while those in favour use a pickaxe symbol. (1992, Keystone)

On 27 September 1992, 64 per cent of Swiss voters come out in favour of the NRLA proposal. In so doing, they give the green light for construction of the new Arth-Goldau-Lugano line including the Gotthard and Monte Ceneri tunnels, as well as the Frutigen-Rhône Valley line through the Lötschberg. They also give their backing to new lines to connect western Switzerland to the European rail network and bring eastern Switzerland into the project. The three referendum committees are defeated. Their arguments revolve around the vast growth of through traffic, the use of fuel duties to fund the project, and the destruction of nature.

« There is no realistic alternative to the NRLA. »

Federal Council, Comments on the referendum

Zur Eidg. Abstimmung vom 27.9.1992 spricht Adolf Ogi Bundesrat

1992, ©1970-2005 Swiss Radio and Television, licensed by Telepool PLC Zürich

Zur Eidg. Abstimmung vom 27.9.1992 spricht Adolf Ogi Bundesrat

Federal Councillor Adolf Ogi speaking about the national referendum of 27 September 1992, 1992 (©1970-2005 Swiss Radio and Television, licensed by Telepool PLC Zürich)

Referendum result

Yes to the NRLA , 1992 (Data: Swiss Federal Statistical Office FSO; Fonds de carte: Swisstopo; Chôros, EPFL)

Referendum result

Yes to the NRLA , 1992 (Data: Swiss Federal Statistical Office FSO; Fonds de carte: Swisstopo; Chôros, EPFL)

Referendum result

Yes to the NRLA , 1992 (Data: Swiss Federal Statistical Office FSO; Fonds de carte: Swisstopo; Chôros, EPFL)

3D view of the referendum result

Yes to the NRLA. The height is proportional to the total number of votes cast , 1992 (Data: Swiss Federal Statistical Office FSO)

3D view of the referendum result

Yes to the NRLA. The height is proportional to the total number of votes cast , 1992 (Data: Swiss Federal Statistical Office FSO)

3D view of the referendum result

Yes to the NRLA. The height is proportional to the total number of votes cast , 1992 (Data: Swiss Federal Statistical Office FSO)

64 per cent

vote in favour of the NRLA in the referendum

14.9 bn Swiss francs

of credit approved by parliament for the NRLA

59 per cent

«no» vote in the canton of Uri, one of two cantons that reject the NRLA.

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