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Updated on 14 November 2026 : according to Senator Cyril Pellevat, quoted by Raildusud, a public “grand débat” will cover six scenarios, from train to coach. The Canton of Valais is reportedly ready to cover 70% of the operating deficit and to fund the trains.
Background
The Tonkin line links Saint-Gingolph (VS) to Evian-les-Bains, in Haute-Savoie. This 17.8 km section has been disused since 1998. It is the missing link in a rail service along the south shore of Lake Geneva. Valais already voted a credit in March 2024.
The key points
On Friday 6 November 2026, Geneva's Grand Council (cantonal parliament) approved a motion by 78 votes to 12, with 1 abstention. It asks the Council of State to actively promote the line's rehabilitation.
According to its supporters, the line would offer a direct link between Valais and Geneva via the south shore. It would relieve the congested north-shore line via Lausanne, which is vulnerable to incidents. The track bed already exists, with no expropriation needed, and traffic would be reserved for passengers.
The works include refurbishment, securing 17 level crossings and electrifying the single track. The Chablais coastal road carries around 14,000 vehicles a day.
Key figures
- 17.8 km : length of the section to be restored
- 300 million euros : estimated cost of the works
- 22.8 million francs : credit voted by Valais in March 2024
- 78 votes to 12 : vote on the motion in the Grand Council
- 14,000 vehicles : daily traffic on the coastal road
Who says what
- Cyril Mizrahi (Socialist MP, rapporteur): the line represents “a clear interest for Geneva and its region”.
- Guy Mettan (SVP/UDC MP, author of the motion): Geneva is “finally taking up this issue”.
- MCG : the line is “a utopia”; the party wants to think of Genevans first.
- Pierre Maudet (State Councillor in charge of mobility): welcomed the motion, with a reservation about the lack of interest of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region.
What's next
- On the French side, several studies are looking at ridership, financing and service, according to Senator Cyril Pellevat.
- A final set of studies, estimated at 5 million euros, is expected before the financing round and the public debate, according to Cyril Pellevat.
- The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, which decides on rail matters on the French side, is not interested at this stage.
Further reading
Sources
- Raildusud – Evian-Saint-Gingolph: the project moves forward… with no decision on the mode, and commissioning slips back
- Le Temps – Geneva supports the reopening of the Tonkin railway line, despite French indifference
- Le Courrier – A boost for the Tonkin line
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