New tracks between Switzerland and Germany to boost rail connectivity in Europe
A major upgrade for Europe rail system
This upgrade will allow passenger and freight trains to run on separate tracks, improving punctuality and overall operational efficiency. Travelers will also benefit from reduced journey times.
Basel Bad Bahnhof is currently linked to the rest of Germany, including ICE trains to Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and Milan.
Once completed, regional passengers can expect to save around five minutes per trip, while long-distance travelers could see travel times reduced by up to 25 minutes. The journey between Karlsruhe and Basel is projected to take just 70 minutes—approximately 30 minutes less than today.
The project is also closely tied to Switzerland’s New Rail Link through the Alps (NEAT), including the Lötschberg, Gotthard, and Ceneri base tunnels. With these major transalpine routes now operational, a further increase in rail traffic along the Karlsruhe–Basel corridor is anticipated, making the expansion all the more critical.
Beyond capacity and speed improvements, the project also brings environmental benefits. By shifting more traffic to rail, it supports sustainable transport goals, while extensive noise protection measures—such as sound barriers, rail dampers, and protective galleries—will significantly reduce noise levels for communities along the line.
This ambitious rail project underscores a shared European commitment to modern, efficient, and sustainable rail transport—seamlessly connecting regions across national borders. The new rail link should be fully completed by 2035.
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