Key facts
The current Lötschberg base tunnel (LBT) is reaching its capacity limits and is to be expanded. Currently, only about 40% of the tunnel’s total length can be used as a two-track line. Parliament approved the partial extension in 2019. BLS was commissioned by the Federal Office of Transport (FOT) to equip the already excavated 14km tunnel between Ferden and Mitholz with railway infrastructure. Investments of CHF 1.05 billion are planned for this. In autumn 2023, Parliament is expected to decide whether the partial extension should be maintained or whether a full extension should be realised. In this case, another 7 kilometres would have to be excavated so that the trains can travel through the tunnel on two tracks. The estimated investment for the full extension amounts to approximately CHF 1.55 billion.