Cargo Sous Terrain rolls on
The Council of States, the second chamber of the Swiss Parliament, has unanimously approved the federal underground freight transport act, which gives the Cargo sous terrain (CST) underground transport system the legal basis to implement the project within a secure framework. The planning for the construction permit, which has already begun, can thus be continued.
Now the law will be submitted to the National Council, the second chamber of parliament. The Basel-based CST expects a decision after the summer, so that the law can be finally passed H2/2021, if all goes well.
The project, which currently has 36 major and 40 minor shareholders, is financed entirely by private means. Binding commitments for CHF 100 million were already secured some time ago planning the project until construction permits can be applied for in 2025.
Construction of the first section from Härkingen-Niederbipp to Zurich is scheduled to start in 2026, with the section becoming operational in 2031. (sh)