It's longer – and deeper – than any other train tunnel in the world. Sunday 11 December 2016 sees the entering into service of the Gotthard Base Tunnel. This pioneering project will enable passengers to speed under the Alps in some 17 minutes. The dual-track tunnel will bring northern and southern Switzerland closer together, and cut travel time between neighbouring countries. It will permit passengers from near and far to spend more time at their destination, discovering the many delights of Switzerland north and south of the Alps.
Switzerland already possesses the densest public transport network on the planet. And over the years it has increased its impressive lead over other nations. June 2016 saw the festive inauguration of the Gotthard Base Tunnel – a 17-year pioneering project which extends for 57 kilometres down to a maximum depth of 2300 metres under the Gotthard massif. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) have now finished subjecting the tunnel to exhaustive safety and technical tests. On Sunday 11 December – the day on which Switzerland's public transport network changes its annual timetable nationwide – the Gotthard Base Tunnel will enter into scheduled service.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7988951-opening-gotthard-base-tunnel-longest-train/