With the Federal Council’s sectoral plan decision, the innovative Cargo sous terrain freight transport system is officially anchored in spatial planning for the first time. The privately initiated project will transport goods through an underground tunnel system from the Swiss Plateau to the cities. This will be done around the clock, with low emissions and independently of road traffic.
The basis for this is the Federal Act on the Underground Transport of Goods (UGüTG), which came into force in 2022. It enables companies like CST to plan and implement such systems under clear legal conditions.
First stage between Härkingen and Zurich defined
The federal government has now defined the spatial planning corridor for the first section from Härkingen to Zurich in the newly inserted part of the sectoral transport plan. The planned locations for the logistics hubs are also spatially localised in the plan. The plan thus creates planning and legal certainty for all levels involved, from the federal government to the cantons and municipalities.
Critical points will be incorporated into further development
The cantons and municipalities affected were able to express their opinions during a consultation in the first half of 2024. Issues discussed included the impact on groundwater, the volume of traffic at the hubs and the handling of excavated material from tunnelling. The feedback will be integrated into the further development of the sectoral plan. According to the federal government, there are no contradictions with existing structure plans.
Important step on the way to the construction permit
The entry in the sectoral plan fulfils a key requirement for the subsequent construction permit. Further authorisation and approval procedures are still to come, but the current decision significantly strengthens the feasibility of the overall project.
Paving the way for a new logistics era
With the sectoral plan decision, the Federal Council is sending a clear signal in favour of sustainable and innovative infrastructure development. Cargo sous terrain could revolutionise freight transport in Switzerland in the long term – underground, quiet and space-saving. The spatial planning framework is in place, now the next stage of implementation begins.
