Cargo sous terrain: Logistics of tomorrow
Cargo sous terrain (CST) is a low-emission, fully automated logistics system for reliable freight transport in small units.
CST addresses the challenges of future freight transport, both in Switzerland and internationally. With its business model, technological maturity and private-sector approach, CST offers a bridge between innovation, market and implementation that is also valuable in other countries.
CST has a comprehensive understanding of technology, operations, economic efficiency, and governance—resulting in knowledge that can be applied internationally.
Over the course of 10 years of project development, CST has built up substantial expertise:
- detailed analyses of freight flows and demand forecasts in Switzerland
- in-depth expertise in system design, tunnel engineering, and conveyor technology
- experience in coordinating with government agencies (safety, fire protection, environmental impact)
- expertise in project procurement, business case development, financing models, and stakeholder management
Key innovations
Closing critical gaps in freight logistics by transporting goods above and below ground, over long distances and between logistics centers:
- cable-driven system based on robust and reliable cable car technology
- seamless integration of underground transportation with above-ground logistics centers and transportation systems through high-performance vertical conveyors
- level of performance cannot be achieved with conventional systems
Key performance indicators
How the goods are transported:
- cable-driven system based on proven funicular technology, combined with standardized conveyor technology, with a throughput of up to 1,800 pallets per hour in each direction.
- cable-driven system allows for steeper gradients than track-bound systems—enabling more flexible route planning
- up to 1,000 pallets loaded and unloaded per hour per location
- system designed for 45,000 pallets per day
- automated cargo handling technology at hubs and terminals
- digital platforms for routing, scheduling, and monitoring
- handling of heavy payloads (up to 1 metric ton per pallet)
- operation with extremely short cycle times (up to 2 seconds per pallet)
A patent application has been filed for the core technology, which can be made available to international partners independently of the Swiss tunnel project.
