Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has revealed plans for a major railway expansion between Bern Wankdorf and Ostermundigen, including a new tunnel and an additional track. This project, known as “Unbundling Wankdorf South – Ostermundigen,” aims to enhance rail capacity and improve services between Bern and Thun. The plans will be open for public consultation from Monday, 24 February 2025.
At the heart of the project is the new Wankdorf Tunnel, designed to improve efficiency by separating freight and passenger trains. The tunnel, measuring 440 metres, will be constructed beneath the existing tracks. It will feature:
- A 290-metre descending ramp from Bern to Wankdorf station
- A 440-metre underground section
- A 240-metre ascending ramp before reaching Ostermundigen
By allowing freight and passenger trains to operate on separate tracks, the new tunnel will eliminate delays caused by congestion on the existing lines. The route will pass under both the Olten-Thun rail connection and the A6 motorway bridge.
Wankdorf – Ostermundigen: Additional infrastructure upgrades
Beyond the tunnel, SBB has planned several other improvements along the Wankdorf–Ostermundigen corridor, including:
- A fourth track to increase capacity
- New noise barriers for improved environmental protection
- Upgrades to transmission lines and signalling systems
- Construction of a new railway technology building in Ostermundigen
- Partial reconstruction of the Wankdorf station footbridge
The expansion of Ostermundigen station is also part of this wider infrastructure plan and is already under construction.
The Wankdorf South – Ostermundigen project is part of Switzerland’s 2025 Federal Rail Expansion Plan, aimed at increasing railway capacity across key transport corridors. The Bern–Münsingen line is currently operating at full capacity, and this expansion will significantly improve both passenger and freight transport.
Key service enhancements include:
- S-Bahn trains running every 15 minutes between Bern and Münsingen
- IC trains to Interlaken and Brig every 30 minutes
- Increased freight capacity between Bern and Thun in the Aare Valley
- A fourth continuous track axis in Ostermundigen, ensuring smoother and more reliable rail operations
Additionally, this project will enhance the stability of the rail system in Bern and improve freight transport along the Basel–Domodossola transit corridor.
The Federal Office of Transport (BAV) received SBB’s application for planning approval in November 2024, and public consultation will take place from 24 February to 25 March 2025 at the Bern Building Inspectorate and the municipal offices of Ostermundigen and Ittigen.
Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2026, subject to approval. However, due to tight space constraints—with work taking place between busy railway lines and the motorway bridge—the project will take at least 13 years to complete.
The CHF 707 million (EUR 750 million) investment is being funded through the federal government’s 2025 rail expansion programme. Despite the long timeline, construction will be carefully managed to minimise disruptions for passengers.
This ambitious infrastructure upgrade marks a significant step forward in enhancing rail connectivity, capacity, and efficiency in the Bern region and beyond.
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