Today, the number of passengers travelling between Lausanne and Geneva every day is in the process of doubling. Faced with this increase in numbers, Geneva station is showing signs of saturation. To meet current and future needs, SBB aims to begin the construction of an underground station in Geneva in 2027. This is a flagship project of the ‘Léman 2030’ programme which aims to double the number of seats on trains between Geneva and Lausanne and to upgrade infrastructure at some stations on the network.

The four planned stages aim to improve railway facilities at Geneva station and to maintain services and the quality of trains while work on the underground station is being carried out.

The works in Geneva (Montbrillant sector) – I (2019 – 2024).

• Relocation and upgrading of the interlocking system, a key element of the station that manages the points and signals for the tracks.
• Relocation and upgrading of the train cleaning tunnel.
• Construction of a logistics warehouse for specialist materials (cables, contact lines, railway line and safety systems) with space for preparation and storage and loading platforms for SBB’s Availability and Maintenance service.

The works between Vernier and Meyrin – II (2020 – 2022).

• Four new 420m sidings allowing trains to be parked on site (SBB and SNCF) and to relieve pressure on train parking facilities at Geneva station.
• A platform for train operation and cleaning staff.

The works at La Praille – III (2020 – 2021).

• Modification of the station throat between the Lancy-Pont-Rouge stop and the city of Geneva to construct a 400m platform for maintenance trains. This will enable the unit responsible for working on and maintaining the railway facilities in the Geneva region to perform its tasks efficiently.
• Upgrading of various installations required to ensure trains in this area run smoothly (platforms, points system).

The works in Geneva (Area B sector) – IV (2023 – 2026).

• Extension of platforms 3 and 4 to accommodate longer trains and upgrading of platforms 6 and 7.
• Modernisation and modification of 11 sidings to make the parking of trains easier.
• Modernisation of the maintenance facility for trainsets.
• Construction of a building for the SBB maintenance and intervention teams.