Switzerland aims to revolutionize fret transportation with Cargo Sous Terrain (CST), an underground tunnel network connecting the country’s main economic centers. The goal ? Streamline logistics, reduce road traffic by 5,200 km per day and reduce carbon footprint. This 100% private project includes an initial 70 km section between Härkingen and Zurich, with future branches to Geneva, Basel and St. Gallen. Initial work could start in 2026, with commissioning scheduled for around 2030.
CST is based on an innovative concept : autonomous and electrics vehicles will transport merchandise 24 a day at a speed of 30km/h, reducing truck traffic on Swiss roads by up to 40%. Among its major assets: silent transport with no direct emissions, improved delivery reliability and space-saving urban infrastructure. However, the project still has to overcome several challenges: a cost estimated at over 30 billion Swiss francs, regulatory constraints and public acceptance that has not yet been achieved.
Meanwhile, Japan is exploring another approach with Autoflow-Road, a giant 500 km conveyor belt between Tokyo and Osaka. Two visions, one ambition: more sustainable transport. While CST favors discretion and underground automation, Japan is banking on above-ground infrastructure to reduce dependence on drivers. In both cases, these projects could well shape the future of global logistics, and inspire other countries to innovate for greener, more efficient transport.