Switzerland aims to take a major step towards strengthening rail transport by expanding its fleet and increasing connections within Europe. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), Routes to Italy and France for 40 piece new high speed train The move aims to improve not only domestic transport but also international travel. High-speed trains will be an important step towards meeting growing passenger demand and strengthening transport links within Europe.
Increase in Demand for Train Travel and Need for Fleet Expansion
In recent years, relations between Switzerland and its neighbouring countries have train travel demand has increased significantly. Cross-border travel, especially with neighbouring countries such as France and Italy, has prompted Swiss Railways to expand its fleet. This increasing demand has led to the need for SBB to modernise its transport infrastructure. Switzerland aims to meet passenger traffic more quickly and comfortably by making its existing railway network more efficient.
This expansion project is not only on domestic routes, important developments in international travel The new trains will enable Switzerland to provide faster, more efficient and more environmentally friendly transport to other parts of Europe.
High Speed Rail Infrastructure Challenges in Switzerland
However, implementing a high-speed railway system in Switzerland faces some infrastructure challenges. Existing Swiss railways, High speed travel over 300 km/h This situation does not allow high-speed trains to only to reach maximum speeds on foreign railway networks For example, Railway infrastructure in countries like France and Italy, is suitable for high-speed travel, while Switzerland's own infrastructure cannot reach these levels.
Switzerland, trains operating at a maximum speed of 200 km/h on domestic lines This is a factor that limits the speed of railway transport. The new high-speed trains are in line with the aim of having a real high-speed railway system on Swiss territory. major infrastructure upgrades These infrastructure improvements will enable Switzerland to new high-speed railway system is of critical importance for its implementation.
Procurement Strategy and Planned Tender Process
Swiss Railways, new high speed train fleet The company is taking important steps to determine the necessary supply strategies for On the Simap platform By publishing two tenders, SBB aims to find the most suitable approach for the acquisition and maintenance of high-speed trains. In this process, SBB will be launching two different supply model working on it.
The first option is, train purchase Besides the A 15-year maintenance contract The other option is to use trains A 15-year operating agreement Both options require careful financial analysis, so a detailed evaluation process is planned.
Swiss Railways, In April or May plans to exchange information with potential suppliers. These meetings will railway vehicle manufacturers ve financial institutions In order to determine the most appropriate strategy for the project, discussions will be held with Swiss Railways. In this process, with industry stakeholders aims to find the most suitable solution through cooperation.
Official Bidding Process Begins in 2026
Following the developed supply strategies and analyses, Starting a formal tender process by 2026 It is expected that Swiss Railways will implement this project seamlessly aims to conclude the necessary agreements in a timely manner to bring this project to life. The new high-speed train fleet will contribute greatly to the development of Switzerland's transport infrastructure and Transport connections in Europe will strengthen it further.
These investments made by Switzerland for its high-speed train fleet have the potential to change the transportation map not only of Switzerland but also of all of Europe. With this project targeted by SBB, cross-border travel will become faster, safer and more efficient. When the infrastructure improvements and procurement processes are completed, Switzerland will have one of the leading high-speed train systems in Europe.
