The Swiss Parliament has significantly increased the budget for railway infrastructure projects by nearly seven billion Swiss francs, raising concerns even from the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB).

Originally planned at 15.4 billion francs, the cost has surged to 22.3 billion due to additional regional projects, including a new tunnel at Lake Geneva and expansions in Geneva, Bern, and Neuchâtel.

Despite the hefty investments, critics, including SBB officials, argue that these projects lack a clear demand and operational plan, potentially leading to high maintenance and operational costs.

Former SBB CEO Benedikt Weibel has called for a halt to these expansions, warning of existential financial risks.

The Federal Office of Transport, however, maintains that the costs are manageable, though it acknowledges the absence of a comprehensive service plan for the new projects.

This debate highlights the broader issue of government spending on infrastructure without clear necessity, a concern echoed in other sectors like the military.