Switzerland is set to see a major boost in rail capacity as the Federal Administrative Court has dismissed the pending appeals against the Zurich–Winterthur multi-track project, giving SBB the go-ahead to finalise its construction programme. This landmark project, the largest in the federal government’s 2035 rail expansion phase, promises to ease one of the country’s busiest rail corridors.
The project will expand the existing line to four tracks, including a new double track through the Brüttener Tunnel and upgrades at Dietlikon, Bassersdorf, Wallisellen, and Winterthur Töss stations. These enhancements will allow more long-distance trains and faster, more frequent Zurich S-Bahn services, with a quarter-hourly interval becoming the core network standard. Structural works such as bridges and short tunnels will unbundle traffic flows, reducing delays and improving overall efficiency.
Preparatory work is scheduled to start in early 2026, covering ground, woodland, and railway technology tasks, with the full construction phase expected to last around ten years. Once complete, the expanded line will accommodate up to 900 trains daily, transporting some 156,000 passengers and increasing rail capacity by around 30 per cent.
Costing approximately 3.3 billion Swiss francs, the project is funded through the Confederation’s Railway Infrastructure Fund, with contributions from federal and cantonal sources. Residents in the affected areas will be informed ahead of construction, with public consultations and updates managed via the SBB website.
By addressing a critical bottleneck, the Zurich–Winterthur multi-track expansion represents a transformative investment in Swiss rail, promising faster, more reliable, and more comfortable travel between two of the nation’s most important urban centres.
Major Track Renovation Underway at Den Haag Centraal
Passengers in Den Haag should prepare for significant rail work at Den Haag Centraal, as ProRail carries out the final phase of a six-month renovation project. The work, which runs from Thursday January 29 to Sunday February 15, focuses on redesigning the tracks to improve capacity, reliability, and efficiency across the network.
The renovation is part of a long-term effort to ensure trains can run more smoothly through one of the Netherlands’ busiest rail hubs. Once complete, trains will be able to run on fixed tracks, reducing delays and enabling more services to operate at higher speeds. The upgrade also supports future growth in passenger numbers, making travel faster and more dependable.
During the works, train services around Den Haag may be limited or temporarily suspended. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys carefully using the NS App or the NS website to allow extra time and ensure a smooth door-to-door trip. NS is encouraging travellers to explore alternative routes and make use of additional local transport options available during the work.
To help cyclists navigate the city, extra OV-fiets bicycles will be available at Den Haag HS station. This initiative aims to make it easier for passengers to combine cycling with public transport while construction is underway.
ProRail’s track redesign marks a major milestone in modernising Den Haag’s rail infrastructure. When the project is complete, it will not only increase train frequency and speed but also enhance the overall passenger experience, ensuring that the city’s rail network remains reliable and efficient for years to come.
