All the goods, normally transported on busy roads will travel underground on driverless vehicles through a 310-mile (500 km) network of tunnels.
The demand for more roads and rail networks is ever-increasing with growing cities and economic activities. Even the widest highway will also fill up sooner than anticipated.
Cargo sous terrain (CST), could be the solution to this problem
The underground freight transportation network will provide for long-term freight transport without relying on expanding road and rail networks.
Each tunnel of this transportation network will have a diameter of around 6 m (20 ft), and a flat floor divided into three lanes. The automated delivery carts whisking goods will travel at speeds around 18 mph (30 kph). These autonomous pods will be driven with electric motors while receiving power through induction rails.
The pilot phase of this fully autonomous, zero-emissions transport system for small cargo loads is expected to be completed by 2031. The pilot phase will cover only 43 miles (70 km) with 10 connecting hubs. However, the entire 310 miles project is estimated to be completed by 2045.
Cargo sous terrain is a collaborative effort of multiple Swiss companies engaged across transport, logistics, energy, retail, and telecom sectors. The entire project will cost around US $35 billion, being funded with private money.
