SCHILTHORNBAHN 20XX PROJECT STILL ON TRACK

The SCHILTHORNBAHN 20XX project is still on track. Of the four remaining objections, only one is currently pending. Schilthornbahn AG expects a solution by the end of the year. The agreement “A heart for Gimmelwald” was drawn up with the residents of Gimmelwald.

In the course of the approval process for the SCHILTHORNBAHN 20XX project, a total of four additional objections were received in spring 2020. Two of them as part of the process for planning approval. The concerns of these parties could be included in the project or resolved which led them to being withdrawn. Two objections were also pending from the approval process regarding the building regulations. One of these objections has now also been resolved and withdrawn. One objection remains open currently but the contact between the Schilthorn Cableway Ltd. and the objector is close and constructive. The company expects a resolution on this last remaining complaint before the end of the year.

Cantonal technical reports submitted to the MOT

The cantonal departments have submitted their technical reports on the project to the Ministry of Transport (MOT), which is in charge of the proceedings. These reports do not contain any critical, unsolvable topics and can be fully processed by the Schilthorn Cableway Ltd. and the project team within the deadline.

"A heart for Gimmelwald" agreement drawn up

Gimmelwald is accessed by the Schilthorn Cableway Ltd. from Mürren and from Stechelberg. This development is of vital importance for the local population. For this reason, the company has worked out an agreement “A heart for Gimmelwald” together with the residents of Gimmelwald and the Lauterbrunnen community. The Schilthorn Cableway Ltd. guarantees the residents of Gimmelwald, among other things, the development of the village until the end of 2035, even if there is no longer a public development contract from the federal government and canton. The agreement will be ceremoniously signed on October 21, 2020 in Gimmelwald. Additional information will be released on this date.

Unclear effect of Corona on the major project

The effects of COVID-19 and the consequences of the lockdown on funding and the project's schedule cannot be precisely assessed so far. The coming weeks and months will indicate whether the project needs to be postponed by a year. It is also conceivable that a change in the construction timetable is necessary. The original plan was to start construction on the new Mürren - Birg section followed by Birg - Schilthorn. This order may be changed due to COVID-19.