In the spring session on 15th March 2024, the Swiss parliament approved the financing of the 2025 and 2035 railway expansion steps, increasing the total volume by around €3.1 billion (CHF 3 billion) to almost €23.9 billion. The original costs for the 2025 expansion phase were estimated at €6.6 billion in 2013 and around €13.4 billion for the 2035 expansion phase in 2019. Due to the need for additional funding and infrastructure measures, the Federal Council submitted proposals to Parliament in summer 2023, including the double-track expansion of the Lötschberg Base Tunnel and the construction of the tunnel between Morges and Perroy on the Lausanne – Geneva line. Parliament added additional projects, including the continuation of planning for the Pratteln unbundling and the expansion of other railway stations. In addition, the long-term strategy "Perspective RAIL 2050" was adopted, which aims to strengthen railway expansion, particularly in and between conurbations. The Federal Council will decide on the entry into force of the proposals after the 100-day referendum period.
