From Tunnel to Rail System: Revised Plan Enhances Safety and Adjusts Timeline and Costs
Upgrading to a service tunnel paves the way for more efficient maintenance and greater reliability in future rail operations
Following intensive planning work for the railway systems, BBT SE presented new forecasts for costs and timelines on October 20, 2026: According to current knowledge, the Brenner Base Tunnel (BBT) is scheduled to go into operation in 2034. Total cost forecasts amount to around 11.7 billion euros.
Optimized Rail Operations and Increased Tunnel Capacity
The recent planning work for the railway technology equipment was based on a 2008 project status. Much has changed since then, particularly from a technical and regulatory perspective: new technologies and updated safety regulations have now become mandatory.
The revised plan builds on innovative advances and valuable experience gained from the Gotthard Base Tunnel. This exchange of operational expertise provided vital input for the Brenner Base Tunnel and highlighted the potential of the third tube, the so-called exploratory tunnel.
From Exploratory Tunnel to Service Tunnel: Major Benefits for Future Rail Operations
Thanks to comprehensive planning work, the exploratory tunnel can now be used as a service tunnel to increase capacity in the main railway tunnels.
Specifically, this means that many technical systems will be relocated into the service tunnel running centrally beneath the main rail tubes. This brings numerous advantages: equipment is far less exposed to disruptive elements (such as dust), and maintenance crews can access systems directly via the service tunnel by vehicle—without needing to close the main rail tubes or interrupt train service. As a result, full operational disruptions can be minimized, significantly increasing the tunnel’s availability and overall safety.
Target of 2034 for the Start of Regular Train Service
According to current forecasts, construction on the BBT will be completed in 2033. The necessary testing, trial operations, official authorizations, and final works are scheduled for 2034 in order to bring a fully EU-compliant, technically and operationally synchronized rail system into service.
Current Total Cost Forecast: Around €11.7 Billion
The updated timeline forecast goes hand in hand with an adjustment of the total cost. The current cost forecast for the Brenner Base Tunnel stands at around €11.7 billion.
Key driving factors include:
• Additional tunnel structures required to utilize the exploratory tunnel as a service tunnel, along with the extended construction timeframe.
• Higher expenses for railway systems equipment, driven partly by advanced technical and safety standards.
• Price increases and inflation.
The Brenner Base Tunnel is a cross-border railway project connecting Austria and Italy. As a core component of one of Europe’s most vital transport corridors, it is designed to create the foundation for a high-capacity, modern, and sustainable rail link through the Alps.
