Executive Summary

Grimselbahn AG has awarded the construction contract for the Grimseltunnel to Marti Tunnel AG. Costs are estimated at 551.2 million francs, significantly lower than the federal forecast of 800 million. The project is to be built parallel to a power line and connects Innertkirchen with Oberwald. Implementation depends on parliamentary decisions and technical feasibility studies. Former BAV legal chief Peter König has filed a formal complaint against the procurement process.

Persons

Topics

  • Swiss infrastructure policy
  • Public transport
  • Procurement procedures
  • Subsidized rail projects
  • Federal decision-making processes

Clarus Lead

The forward momentum on the Grimseltunnel creates political pressure at a sensitive moment: The federal parliament must vote on the message "Transport '45" in 2025, while key technical questions (compatibility with power line, environmental compatibility) remain unresolved. The price of 551 million francs – significantly below federal estimates – is described by experts as unrealistic and suggests that the contract primarily serves as a lobbying tool for the parliamentary phase. This reinforces existing skepticism in the public transport industry.

Detailed Summary

Peter König accuses Grimselbahn AG of deliberately launching an attractively low price through an alliance procurement consortium to influence the parliamentary decision. He describes this as "dishonest and downright abuse of law." König argues that the award likely violates the Subsidies Act: Grimselbahn AG is neither a railway company nor does it hold a required concession. The federal government would hardly be able to grant one, as prerequisites such as financial viability are not met.

König also criticizes fundamental procedural deficiencies: Neither an environmental impact assessment nor planning approval is in place, so the legal requirements (landfill material, construction site access, operational safety) are unknown. This makes a realistic cost forecast impossible. König points to the Vereina Tunnel of the Rhätische Bahn, which cost over a billion francs 25 years ago, and considers the estimated 500 million unrealistic. Central to his thesis is also this: Operations would create a highly deficit-ridden regional line that would require permanent subsidization by the federal government and cantons – while other less unprofitable lines are already under review.

Skepticism is widespread across sectors: In addition to König, former SBB CEO Benedikt Weibel, former BAV Director Peter Füglistaler and VöV Director Ueli Stückelberger have criticized the project. The Federal Office of Transport (BAV) confirmed receipt of the formal complaint but did not comment on its substance. Grimselbahn AG stated it was unaware of the complaint.

Key Statements

  • Grimselbahn AG awards construction contract for 551.2 million francs – significantly below federal forecast (800 million)
  • Former BAV legal chief König files formal complaint and criticizes award as lobbying tool
  • Central deficiencies: Missing environmental assessment, missing planning approval, no railway concession for Grimselbahn AG
  • Operationally critical: Project would create highly deficit-ridden regional line requiring subsidization
  • Widespread industry skepticism from SBB, BAV and associations against the project

Critical Questions

  1. Data Quality & Evidence: On what technical studies is the cost estimate of 551 million francs based if environmental impact assessment and planning approval are not yet in place? Have these fundamentals been made available to bidder Marti Tunnel AG?

  2. Conflicts of Interest & Incentives: Why does Grimselbahn AG award the contract before the parliamentary decision on "Transport '45"? Which organizations and individuals are represented in Grimselbahn AG, and do they have financial interests in the project?

  3. Legal Prerequisites: Can Grimselbahn AG obtain a valid operating contract without a railway concession? Which federal approvals are mandatory before costs can be calculated?

  4. Realistic Cost Estimates: How is the cost forecast of 500 million validated when comparable projects (Vereina Tunnel: 1 billion 25 years ago) were considerably more expensive? What inflation and wage increases were factored in?

  5. Economic Viability: What are the passenger forecasts and revenue expectations? Will these be made public before the parliamentary vote?

  6. Environment & Side Effects: What environmental requirements arise from the combination of tunnel and power line? How are landfill material and construction site access regulated?

  7. Alternative Scenarios: Were less costly transport solutions in the region examined with equal weight? Why are other deficit-ridden public transit lines under review while this tunnel is being pushed forward?

  8. Implementation Risks: If costs rise significantly or conditions remain unfulfilled, how can the project be terminated without jeopardizing already spent planning funds?

Source Directory

Primary Source: Grimseltunnel: Initiators award construction contract – former chief official files complaint – NZZ Switzerland, https://www.nzz.ch/schweiz/initianten-des-grimseltunnels-vergeben-bauauftrag-fruehere-chefbeamter-reicht-anzeige-ein-ld.10016188

Verification status: ✓ 21.07.2026

This text was created with the assistance of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-check: 21.07.2026