CHIASSO SUBSTATION
Increasing the capacity and safety of border-crossing traction systems and introducing new power supply technologies
In anticipation of increased traffic volumes driven by the opening of the new Gotthard and Ceneri Alpine base tunnels, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) appointed FS Engineering to deliver a comprehensive programme of refurbishment and upgrading works on the existing infrastructure at the Chiasso hub. The scope of works specifically involved replacing the legacy electronic interlocking (ACE), modifying the General Track Layout Plan (PRG), and significantly upgrading the electrification systems.
The commission encompassed specialist technical consultancy, preliminary design and construction drawings, bidding support, and site supervision for the new 3 kV DC traction substation at Chiasso. The project establishes a completely fresh configuration for the Anglo-Swiss style cross-border power supply system. This is characterised by innovative plant architecture and advanced equipment that increases cross-border traffic capacity while enabling the independent operational management of the new Italian and Swiss networks.
Chiasso is a strategic railway hub linking Italy and Switzerland, vital for freight traffic through the Monte Olimpino 2 tunnel, as well as for international passenger traffic on the Milan–Zurich route and for regional connections between Ticino and Lombardy.
The upgrading of the Chiasso substation is a key element in strengthening the cross-border railway infrastructure, improving the reliability, safety and capacity of one of Europe’s main Alpine railway crossings and supporting the long-term development of international passenger and freight traffic.
To complement the works commissioned by SBB for the strategic Chiasso hub, environmental noise barriers were installed, with FS Engineering leading the entire design and build process, from the initial concept through to final commissioning. The team directly oversaw all the delivery requirements of the project, such as design, construction supervision, testing & certification, as well as the authorisation process and tender management in relation to the award of construction contracts, alongside permit applications and expropriations.
The complexity of the project and the support of FS Engineering enabled Swiss Federal Railways to implement all the strategic technological measures required for the development of the Chiasso hub, particularly with regard to the interface between the Italian and Swiss infrastructure networks.