Landsgemeinde decides on Braunwald’s development
The future of access to Braunwald will be decided by the local community in 2025. After a lengthy evaluation, the Glarus cantonal government is in favour of renewing the funicular railway, but a final decision will be made by the people.
The future development of Braunwald will be determined by the Landsgemeinde 2025. Following intensive political and public discussions, a revision of the law on public transport will allow citizens to decide on the development option. The cantonal government favours the modernisation of the funicular railway as the most economical solution with low procedural risk and shorter construction time.
The favoured solution
After a long evaluation phase, the cantonal government opted for a new funicular railway, which is considered the most cost-effective and practicable option. It involves investment costs of CHF 24 million and operating costs of CHF 3 million per year. Compared to a gondola lift, which would be almost twice as expensive to build and would take up to ten years to complete, the funicular railway offers clear advantages. An automated funicular railway would also enable use independent of the timetable.
Legal amendments to involve the Landsgemeinde
The cantonal government has decided to include the development of Braunwald in a new article of the Public Transport Act, which will enable a discussion and vote at the Landsgemeinde 2025. This will give the population the final say on this important infrastructural decision. Should the Landsgemeinde vote in favour of an alternative gondola lift, the cantonal government would initiate the corresponding planning adjustments.
Investments and future prospects
The planned investments of CHF 24 million for the construction of the funicular railway and CHF 3 million for its operation will create sustainable and future-oriented access for Braunwald. The cantonal government expects that the decision of the Landsgemeinde will be an important step towards economic and environmentally friendly mobility, which will strengthen the region in the long term and promote tourism.