Mountain railways New mountain railroad in Kandersteg is feasible
A cable car between Kandersteg and the Elsigen-Metsch skiing and hiking area is feasible, but expensive. This is the conclusion of a feasibility study presented to the public on Wednesday evening.
26.06.2024, 21:00
SDA
The tourism organization Adelboden-Lenk-Kandersteg announced that the idea of a railroad from Kandersteg railroad station to Elsigen had developed into a vision in recent months. It is realistic to aim for commissioning in 2030. However, full commitment is required until the railroad is financed and approved.
This is because the financial outlay for the overall expansion of the railroad is likely to be high. A conservative estimate puts it at between 65 and 95 million francs. However, the required frequencies for profitable rail operations are "absolutely within the realm of possibility", according to the communiqué.
The figures do not include the additional effects of the new railroad. These include, for example, an increase in hotel overnight stays, which also benefits suppliers in the region.
According to the project team, there were no indications that approval should be ruled out from the outset. In addition, the timetable for the entry in the cantonal structure plan is ideal.
However, the details of the planning and the environmental impact assessment are still pending, as project manager Lukas Eichenberger said in a press release. As things stand today, there should not be any unsolvable technical problems. "Despite the relatively long route, the railroad only needs three pylons, which is impressive."
The project team wants to secure financing for the new railroad, including subsequent extensions, by the end of the year. If this is successful, the approval process can begin. The construction time alone is estimated at around two years.
