The Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FOT) has announced its support for the construction of a large intermodal terminal east of Milan to strengthen rail freight through the Alps. The FOT will contribute up to CHF 66.3 million to the project, which will be located on a former railway yard in the Milano Smistamento area.
Intermodal facilities play a key role in Switzerland's policy of shifting freight transport from road to rail, by enabling the transfer of containers and semi-trailers between trucks and trains. For several decades, the Swiss government has supported the construction of such terminals under clear conditions, including overseas, if they serve Swiss interests and would not otherwise be built. The federal government has helped finance intermodal terminals in Gallarate, Piacenza, Duisburg, Singen, and Antwerp.
The new terminal will have twelve tracks, six gantry cranes, and a length of around 750 meters. It will be operated by Teralp, a logistics company in which the Swiss company Hupac has a stake. The facility is expected to handle up to 150,000 truckloads per year, a significant proportion of which will be destined for locations north of the Swiss Alps.
In return for the FOT's financial contribution, Teralp will have to meet certain minimum volume requirements for ten years. The funding comes from a framework credit approved by the Swiss parliament for investment contributions to private freight transport facilities, totaling CHF 300 million for the years 2021 to 2024.
