Eisenbahn-Kurier 54 - Gotthardbahn

In 2016, the Gotthard Base Tunnel between Erstfeld and Bodio was opened. This structure, consisting of two separate single-track tubes each 57 km long, is considered the longest railway tunnel connection in the world. It is designed with state-of-the-art safety technology for a maximum speed of 250 km/h and equipped with elaborate emergency rescue systems. The construction took over two decades and required investments of around 12 billion CHF. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) scheduled the regular operation to begin on December 11, 2016. Four years later, the 15.4 km long Ceneri Base Tunnel between Bellinzona and Lugano was opened. This will reduce the travel time of high-speed trains between Zurich and Milan to three hours. The mountain routes completed in 1882 will continue to be served by passenger and freight trains. The special edition "Gotthardbahn" is offered with expertise.