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Published on 12 June 2025

Expansion programmes

The expansion and development of the railway network is carried out step by step in the form of programmes managed by the FOT. The FOT also ensures the implementation of the long-term strategy.

The north portal of the Lötschberg base tunnel

Expansion step 2035

The 2035 Rail Expansion Step aims to resolve foreseeable congestion on the rail network. Parliament has approved an overall package of CHF 12.89 billion.

Expansion step 2025

The rail expansion step 2025 was approved by Parliament as part of the project to fund and expand rail infrastructure. The aim is to increase capacity in the major rail hubs such as Geneva, Basel and Bern.

The ZEB programme – Future development of rail infrastructure

The ZEB programme was approved by Parliament in 2009. It is the follow-up to the ‘Rail 2000’ programme and includes a range of infrastructure measures across Switzerland at a cost of CHF 5.4 billion.

4-metre corridor

In addition to the new base tunnels, 4-metre corridors are also required in order to successfully shift freight traffic from road to rail. This will allow four-metre-high semi-trailers to be transported on rail wagons.

Noise abatement

People who live near railway lines are protected from excessive noise by a range of measures.

Completed expansion programmes

Switzerland has already expanded its railway infrastructure significantly through the Rail 2000 and NRLA projects and the connection to high-speed networks abroad.

Federal Office of Transport FOT

Mühlestrasse 6
3063 Ittigen