Swiss Parliamentarians Question Rail Infrastructure Investment in Eastern Switzerland

Two Swiss parliamentarians have recently raised concerns regarding railway infrastructure development in eastern Switzerland, questioning whether the region will adequately benefit from planned expansions. The inquiries, submitted as interpellations to the Federal Council, focus on prioritization and funding allocation for key rail projects.

Caroni’s Interpellation: Prioritizing Eastern Switzerland’s Rail Needs

Council of States member Andrea Caroni (FDP, Appenzell Ausserrhoden) submitted an interpellation on March 17, 2026, urging the Federal Council to include several prioritized projects in the upcoming 2027 or 2031 planning phases. These projects include:

• Rorschach – Rorschach Stadt double track
• Rorschach train station expansion
• Performance increase at St. Gallen station (Ostkopf)
• Gossau train station expansion
• Kesswil crossing station
• Pre-investment in the Meilibach Tunnel at the Zimmerberg Base Tunnel II
• Tiefenwinkel double track expansion at Walensee
• Replacement measures WAKO (Winterthur – St. Gallen)

Caroni highlighted that many of these projects were designated as “high” priority in the Weidmann report but were not included in the key figures for “Traffic ’45.” He also questioned the cost-benefit ratio of the Grimsel Tunnel, suggesting that potentially foregoing this project could free up funds for eastern Switzerland.

Reimann’s Initiative: Addressing Wil’s Rail Connectivity

National Councilor Lukas Reimann (SVP, St. Gallen) submitted an initiative on March 19, 2026, focusing on the Wil traffic junction. The junction currently handles 396 passenger trains and 56 freight and service trains daily. Passenger numbers are projected to rise from 27,000 in 2025 to nearly 37,000 by 2040.

Despite serving a catchment area of over 120,000 inhabitants, the IC5 no longer stops in Wil, and several S-Bahn lines terminate in Winterthur. Reimann inquired whether the Federal Council intends to implement the quarter-hour IC Zurich – St. Gallen service with a stop in Wil and how to prevent the Wil region from being further disadvantaged by the Brüttener Tunnel.

Wil Traffic Junction Details

The Wil traffic junction is a critical node in the Swiss rail network, serving a significant population base. The reduction in service, particularly the removal of the IC5 stop, has raised concerns about regional connectivity and accessibility.