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Alpine rail freight below target

Thursday, 20 November 2025 06:30

Switzerland is frustrated at the lack of progress to move more freight across the Alps by train.

Despite this country spending billions on tunnels and upgrades, they’re not being used to their full capacity – and that’s mainly down to delays in upgrading tracks in Germany.

The amount of good being carried by rail has been declining slightly over the past few years.

The Transport Minister, Albert Rösti, wants to reverse the trend.

One of the main bottlenecks is the link between Karlsruhe - in Germany – to Basel. Although upgrades are underway, they’re not expected to be completed until the 2040s. 

Similarly, lines connected Switzerland from Italy are also in need of being improved. 

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