The world’s largest tunnel is the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland, spanning a total of 57 kilometers (35.5 miles). It is a railway tunnel that runs through the Swiss Alps, connecting Erstfeld in the north with Bodio in the south. The tunnel was opened in 2016 and is a key part of the New Railway Link through the Alps (NRLA) project, aimed at improving transportation links between northern and southern Europe. The construction of the tunnel was a major engineering feat, involving drilling through solid rock and overcoming various geological challenges. The Gotthard Base Tunnel has significantly reduced travel times for both passengers and freight trains, making it an important transport artery in Europe.
More Informations
The Gotthard Base Tunnel, with a length of 57 kilometers (35.5 miles), is the longest railway tunnel in the world. It passes under the Swiss Alps, specifically the Saint-Gotthard Massif, and provides a direct route through the mountains for both passenger and freight trains.
Construction of the tunnel began in 1996 and was completed in 2016, with a total cost of around CHF 9.8 billion (approximately USD 10.3 billion). The tunnel’s construction required extensive excavation, with workers drilling through solid rock at depths of up to 2,500 meters (8,200 feet).
The Gotthard Base Tunnel forms part of the larger NRLA project, which aims to improve rail links between northern and southern Europe. The tunnel has several key features, including two separate tubes for trains traveling in opposite directions, each with a single track. The tunnel also includes emergency stop stations and evacuation routes in case of emergencies.
One of the main benefits of the Gotthard Base Tunnel is its ability to significantly reduce travel times. Trains can now travel through the tunnel at speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour (155 miles per hour), compared to the previous maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour) over the old mountain route. This has led to a reduction in journey times for both passenger and freight trains, as well as a decrease in the environmental impact of transport through the Alps.
Overall, the Gotthard Base Tunnel is a remarkable feat of engineering and has significantly improved rail transport between northern and southern Europe, demonstrating Switzerland’s commitment to sustainable and efficient transportation infrastructure.