Kandertalbahn: S-Bahn connection to Basel in a within reach?

Kandertalbahn: S-Bahn connection to Basel in a within reach?

Kandertal, Schweiz - Kander Valley near Basel

a new S-Bahn dream?

The Kandertalbahn could soon revolutionize the connection between Kandern and the Basel station SBB! Instead of the current 62 minutes, the journey time could drop to just 38 minutes. But while the idea has been in the air for a long time, financial support from Switzerland remains a big question mark. However, a new feasibility study has stoked hope that the route can be operated economically.

The IG Pro Kandertalbahn called on the affected municipalities in the Lörrach district to immediately tackle the planning of the 12.9 kilometer route between Kandern and Haltingen. The route was closed in 1983, and since 1986 only a museum railway has been running here. The costs for the expansion are estimated at a whopping 90 million euros, whereby the German federal government should bear the main load. However, the uncertainties in the prices remain high and the municipalities could be asked to checkout with up to 19 million euros.

critical questions about financing

A half -hourly cycle is currently being sought, but the financing could become a stumbling block. While the state of Baden-Württemberg pays the costs for a one-hour bar, the municipalities have to pay for the more frequent half-hourly cycle itself. Emanuel Barth from Agglo Basel has made it clear that Swiss participation is currently not intended in the agglomeration program. If something changes here, this could be discussed in the common committees.

The population in the Kandertal is growing, and the IG Pro Kandertal sees the district responsible for promoting the S-Bahn project. Implementation could already be possible by the end of 2030, but the new local elections in June slowed the decision -making process. According to a survey, most mayors face the project positively, but the financing is the greatest headache. A public information event with all the municipalities involved is planned for the first half of 2025 - the future of the Kandertalbahn remains exciting!