SBB Faces Millions in Gotthard Base Tunnel Damages: Cost Risks & Delays

The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) faces potential multi-million-franc financial losses due to extensive maintenance work in the Gotthard Base Tunnel (GBT), the world’s longest railway tunnel, which is set to disrupt operations in January 2026. While exact cost figures remain unverified, internal SBB planning documents and industry reports indicate that prolonged closures and rerouting of trains could lead to significant delays and operational expenses, particularly for freight and passenger services reliant on the tunnel.

The maintenance work, scheduled for January 12–23, 2026, will involve multi-day closures of sections of the GBT to allow for critical infrastructure upgrades, including the renewal of aging systems at the end of their service life. According to SBB’s official project documentation, these “long intervals” are necessary for tasks that cannot be completed during the usual weekend maintenance windows. During this period, a portion of the tunnel will be fully closed for several days, requiring alternative routes—such as the scenic Gotthard Panoramic Route—for some trains.

The financial impact stems from several factors. First, rerouting trains over longer, less efficient routes—such as the Panoramic Route—will increase fuel consumption and operational costs. Second, delays in freight traffic, which accounts for up to 260 daily crossings through the GBT, could lead to penalties from logistics companies and customers. Third, passenger disruptions may result in compensation claims under Swiss transport law, adding further pressure on SBB’s budget.

SBB has not yet released a precise estimate of the financial hit, but industry analysts and reports in Swiss media—including Blick and Watson—suggest the costs could reach into the millions of francs. The tunnel, which opened in 2016 after 17 years of construction, remains a linchpin for European rail freight, and any prolonged disruption risks broader economic repercussions for Swiss logistics and neighboring countries.

In response to the planned work, SBB has begun coordinating with freight operators, passenger rail services, and cantonal authorities to mitigate the impact. The company has also emphasized that the maintenance is essential to prevent long-term operational risks, including potential safety hazards from degraded infrastructure. However, the scale of the work and the tight timeline have raised concerns among stakeholders about whether the benefits will outweigh the short-term costs.

The GBT’s maintenance schedule includes two annual “long intervals”—January and August—during which sections of the tunnel are closed for extended periods. These intervals were designed to accommodate repairs that cannot be performed during the standard weekend closures. While the January 2026 work is the most immediate concern, SBB has indicated that similar challenges may arise in future maintenance cycles, particularly as the tunnel’s infrastructure ages.

As of May 24, 2026, no official cost breakdown has been published by SBB, and the financial impact remains speculative. However, the combination of operational constraints, logistical dependencies, and legal obligations suggests that the tunnel’s maintenance will test the resilience of Switzerland’s rail network—and its economic underpinnings—during a critical period for European freight transport.