description Gotthard Base Tunnel Overview
The Gotthard Base Tunnel is a major Alpine railway infrastructure project in Switzerland, officially opened for full service in 2016. Stretching 57.09 kilometres through the Swiss Alps, it is currently recognized as the longest and deepest traffic tunnel in the world. The flat, base-level route allows heavy freight trains and high-speed passenger trains to transit the mountain range without relying on older, spiral ascent tracks. It serves as a critical component of the European freight corridor connecting the ports of Rotterdam to Genoa.
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Gotthard Base Tunnel ranks #1 of 190 in the Tunnel ranking, ahead of Laerdal Tunnel.
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Where is the Gotthard Base Tunnel located?
The Gotthard Base Tunnel is a major Alpine railway infrastructure project located deep within the Swiss Alps. It stretches exactly 57.09 kilometres through the mountain base, running between the towns of Erstfeld and Biasca.
When did the Gotthard Base Tunnel officially open for rail service?
The tunnel officially opened for full railway service in 2016 after nearly two decades of heavy construction. The final breakthrough of the massive tunnel boring machines occurred earlier, during a historic ceremony in 2010.
Why was the Gotthard Base Tunnel built as a base tunnel rather than higher up the mountain?
By routing the railway straight through the base of the Alps, the tunnel provides a completely flat, high-speed route for freight and passenger trains. This design allows heavy freight trains to avoid the steep gradients and sharp curves of the older, higher-altitude mountain railway.
How does the length of the Gotthard Base Tunnel compare to other tunnels globally?
Upon its completion, the Gotthard Base Tunnel was officially recognized by the World Railway Association as the longest and deepest traffic tunnel in the world. It surpassed the length of Japan's Seikan Tunnel, which held the previous record.
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