EU warns of impact of safety regulations at Gotthard

The European Commission criticizes the stricter safety regulations for freight trains in the Gotthard Base Tunnel issued by the Federal Office of Transport (BAV) as a potentially dangerous intervention in the free European rail freight transport. There is a risk that the new requirements could disrupt logistical processes in Europe and promote a shift to road transport.

(Brussels/Bern) At the end of September 2025, the BAV introduced new guidelines for freight trains passing through the Gotthard Base Tunnel – including higher requirements for wheel diameter, enhanced inspections of wheels for overheating or damage, as well as more systematic and frequent wagon technical examinations.

These measures respond to a serious derailment of a freight train in the tunnel in August 2023, which caused approximately 150 million Swiss francs in repair costs.

From the perspective of the European Commission, the new rules – especially if implemented early and with high strictness – could represent a “severe burden for the already vulnerable freight transport.” There is a real danger that trains will avoid Switzerland in the future, benefiting road transport instead. The BAV has responded to this criticism by postponing the implementation of the wagon technical examinations to the end of 2026 – with the hope of finding a more balanced solution.

Shifts to road transport are looming

For the logistics and transport industry, this means: Already today, the requirements for operators, especially in rail freight transport, are increasing. Those who wish to travel through significant Alpine corridors like the Gotthard in the future must rethink their fleet and maintenance strategies. At the same time, shifts in the modal split threaten – to the detriment of rail and in favor of road transport.

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