Green Light from the Swiss Parliament for Cargo sous terrain

With today’s legislative decision by the National Council, Cargo sous terrain is on the home stretch: Both chambers of parliament have said yes to the law on underground freight transport (UGüTG). Now, only a few differences in detail between the councils need to be resolved before it can come into force. This allows CST to push forward with the realization.

(Bern/Basel) The federal law on underground freight transport (UGüTG) provides Cargo sous terrain (CST) with the legal basis to implement the project under secure framework conditions. CST AG, with its over 80 shareholders, is very pleased that the realization of the privately financed overall logistics system is supported by a broad majority in parliament. As the Council of States did before, today the National Council, as the second chamber of parliament, passed the law with a large majority. It followed the proposals of its preparatory commission. There are still a few deviations from the version of the law adopted by the Council of States. These will be eliminated in the upcoming reconciliation process. CST expects this reconciliation to occur quickly.

Detailed Planning of the First Section

A prompt entry into force of the law allows CST to advance the detailed planning of the first section from Härkingen-Niederbipp to Zurich until it is ready for building approval. The law also enables the necessary procedures for realization at the federal and cantonal levels to begin. This includes the substantive and guideline plans as well as the approval process managed by the Federal Office of Transport. CST is also in contact with the municipalities and cantons along the first section to prepare the realization together with them. Construction of the first section will begin in 2026, and it will be operational by 2031. In parallel with the planning work, the operation of city logistics in Zurich and other cities will be ramped up, as this is an integrated part of the CST service. For the