Swiss Cargo sous terrain Receives Final Political Support

The National Council and the Council of States have both given their final approval today to the Federal Act on Underground Freight Transport (UGüTG). This provides the Cargo sous terrain (CST) generational project with its legal foundation. The central prerequisite for the investment of an additional 100 million CHF for the planning of the first section Härkingen/Niederbipp-Zurich is now in place.

(Basel) “We are extremely grateful to Parliament, as well as to the Federal Council and federal authorities, for making Cargo sous terrain possible with this law,” says Peter Sutterlüti, Chairman of the Board of CST. “The investments of the CST shareholder companies are now bearing fruit, as is the dedicated work of our entire team.” Since the beginning of this year, Parliament has carefully deliberated the UGüTG. The creation of a legal basis for underground freight transport, including city logistics, is a novelty for Switzerland on this scale. In the end, a federal law was created that enables the exclusively privately financed economic operation of CST while simultaneously safeguarding the interests of the public.

Solution-Oriented Balancing of Interests at the Center

The shareholder companies, management bodies, and employees of CST AG are grateful to the parliamentarians for the constructive and efficient handling of the law. The critical voices in the legislative process have also contributed to raising awareness of the legitimate concerns of the various interest groups. CST will incorporate these concerns into further planning and ensure that a fair, solution-oriented balancing of interests is at the center of realization. The resources provided by the planned federal approval will be handled with care by CST AG.

CST AG will now adjust its structures to meet the requirements of the legal planning and approval process. Starting in February 2022, Dominik Cajochen will take on the new role of overall project manager for operations and market, while the overall project management for construction and technology will remain with Klaus Juch. The main investors are now contributing the previously contractually promised 100 million CHF to advance the planning of the overall logistics system to the point of building approval. By 2025, the planning of the first section from Härkingen-Niederbipp to Zurich is to be completed. This includes close coordination with the involved cantons and municipalities within the framework of the spatial planning and master plan procedures to ensure the participation of all instances. Construction of the first section will begin in 2026, with operations starting in 2031.

New Swiss Investments and City Logistics Projects

Two new main investors from Switzerland are joining the over 80 shareholder companies. These are the Helbling Group, Zurich, and BG Engineers and Consultants, Lausanne. Both bring valuable technical and planning expertise.

BG Engineers and Consultants was founded in Switzerland in 1954 and offers internationally recognized engineering and consulting expertise in infrastructure, environment, construction, and energy. The company will contribute its expertise in logistics systems to CST. “The concept developed by CST convinces the BG Group. Together with other private actors, we will work directly on the future of freight transport in Switzerland, in the spirit of sustainability and innovation, which have been at the center of BG Engineers and Consultants for years,” says Pierre Epars, who will sit on the CST Board of Directors.

The prerequisite for the investment of an additional 100 million CHF for the planning of the first section Härkingen/Niederbipp-Zurich is now in place.

The internationally active Helbling Group offers competencies in engineering and consulting. This unique combination of skills allows the Helbling Group to fully support companies from product innovation to product development as well as in overall corporate decisions. “The visionary future project Cargo sous terrain is at the core of the service offerings of our four companies in the Helbling Group and fits into our vision of developing sustainable innovation for a livable future. Against this background, we are excited to contribute to the success of CST with our commitment,” explains the designated CST Board member Christian Péclat.

In recent months, CST has also started its own city logistics operations in Zurich and Basel. For last-mile transport in the cities, CST collaborates with several logistics companies. The successful principle of “collaborative innovation,” combined with digitalization and sustainability, is also at the center of the development of city logistics.