Swiss and German ministries spearhead CargoBeamer’s terminal expansion

The Swiss Federal Office for Transport (FOT) and the German Federal Railway Authority (EBA) are set to spearhead the expansion of CargoBeamer’s terminals in Domodossola (Italy) and Kaldenkirchen (Germany), respectively, with their investments. The two public entities will raise 90 million euros in total for the two projects. At the same time, the Germany-based intermodal…

Switzerland to invest in CargoBeamer’s Domodossola terminal

The Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FOT) will invest 38,8 million francs (39.5 million euros) to build a transshipment facility in Domodossola, one of the most active rail freight hubs in Italy. The facility in Domodossola is currently managed by CargoBeamer, a German specialist in the transportation of non-cranable semi-trailers. The FOT said that the…

Switzerland asks ERA to update EU contract on the use of freight wagons

In the European Union, the use and maintenance of rail freight wagons is regulated by two directives, one from 2006 for their use and one from 2019 for their maintenance. The Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FOT) is asking the European Railway Agency (ERA) to make a clear statement for the revision of the oldest…

Rail freight across the Alps dropped, but not because of the Gotthard

Freight transport across the Alps in 2023 decreased both when it comes to road and rail, according to the Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FOT). Concerning rail freight, volumes dropped by 5.9 per cent compared to 2022. The FOT stated that the main cause is the general economic situation in Europe, and not the closure…

Swiss underground rail freight project enters audition phase

Cargo Sous Terrain (CST), a Swiss project to implement an underground freight-dedicated rail network is now entering a new phase. The Swiss Federal Offices of Transport and Territorial Development opened the audition period, during which the parties involved can submit their views on the project. Starting from 1 February, the Swiss cantons under which CST’s […]

Swiss single wagonload plan ‘won’t jeopardise rail infrastructure funds’

The Swiss Federal Council recently announced that it will transfer some money destined for the Railway Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to boost single wagonload (SWL) traffic in the country. The funds are coming from the so-called heavy vehicle fee (HVF). Contacted by RailFreight.com, the Federal Office of Transport (FOT) highlighted that “there are no signs that […]

Switzerland and Italy to fund upgrade of key Rhine-Alpine section

The Italian infrastructure manager Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) launched a tender for 117 million euros, co-financed by Switzerland, to boost intermodality in northeastern Italy. More specifically, the railway between Arona and Verbania, along the southeastern shore of Lake Maggiore, will be modified to handle freight trains with a 4-metre profile (P400). The initiative entails lowering […]