The planned relocation of the port railway in Kleinhüningen is turning out to be significantly more expensive than expected. The Canton of Basel-Stadt now estimates the cost to be around 475 million Swiss francs. Previously, the rough estimate was about 275 million francs, albeit with a considerable degree of uncertainty.
The timeline is also shifting backwards. Instead of the original target date of around 2033, implementation is now expected to be possible no earlier than the late 2030s. As a result, the government council is having the planning reviewed once again.
For Basel, this is more than just a construction project. The port railway is a vital part of the logistics surrounding the Swiss Rhine ports. It connects the port to the rail network, making it essential for goods that are transported by ship, rail, and truck.
At the same time, the relocation is also tied to urban development in northern Basel. Long-term plans for Klybeckquai and the port area include new spaces for residential, commercial, and recreational purposes. As long as the port railway issue remains unresolved, many developments there will remain blocked or at the very least uncertain.
Politically, the matter is sensitive. An additional 200 million francs in costs are no minor detail. For some, the review seems logical and necessary. For others, it signals that planning was overly optimistic.
For logistics, the most critical question remains: How can Basel modernize the port without weakening the connectivity for goods? That is exactly the crux of the matter. The port is not just a desirable development area along the Rhine but a genuine supply and transshipment hub for Switzerland.