The Gotthard axis is a crucial infrastructure to cross the Alps via rail between Italy and Swtizerland. Swiss Councilor Albert Rösti recently pledged one billion francs for the renovation of the old mountain railway, which proved to be vital throughout the past year when the Gotthard Base Tunnel was unavailable.

“The SBB and the FOT are in discussion to determine what technical and infrastructure measures can be taken to maintain and, if possible, improve the line. The aim is to renew tunnels, bridges and the track along the entire route. Major investments are planned from around 2029 onwards, based on the service agreement. The work will take until around 2040”, said a spokesperson from the FOT.

Despite many were in favour of dismissing the old line once the Gotthard Base Tunnel opened in 2016, recent events showed that having valid alternatives is a necessity for the rail freight industry. The Gotthard Base Tunnel was partially closed for over a year between 10 August 2023 and 2 September 2024 due to a derailment. During this time, the old railway through the mountains proved to be resilient, but was not equipped to accommodate, for example, the rail transport of semi-trailers.