As early as 1975, the administrative council of the government of the Swiss Canton of Graubünden, presented the first white paper calling for the construction of what would become the Vereina Tunnel. Its construction was motivated by a desire to improve the all-weather transport links in the eastern part of Canton of Graubünden, as the Flüela Pass (between Davos and Susch) is prone to heavy snowfall and avalanches in the winter months. Once completed, it formed the first year-round rail link between the Prättigau and the Lower Engadin. The project represented the first expansion to the RhB route network since 1914. However, it was not until 1985 that sufficient support for the initiative amongst the canton's population was garnered, allowing the project to proceed through the approval process.