Rail journeys across the majestic Swiss Alps are set to experience delays in the wake of a significant derailment that has impacted the renowned Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world’s longest tunnel stretching 35 miles (57 kilometers). Following a freight train derailment that damaged about five miles of rail lines and caused 16 carriages to jump off track, Swiss national rail operator SBB announced that the tunnel’s partial reopening is scheduled for August 23. While one of the two lines will be operational, reduced capacity will lead to rerouting passenger trains via a lengthier scenic route, elongating travel times by up to two hours until early 2024.
The Gotthard Base Tunnel, a remarkable engineering feat inaugurated in 2016, serves as a vital rail connection between northern and southern Europe. Running between Erstfeld and Bodio, the tunnel facilitates travel between Zurich, Switzerland, and Milan, Italy. Additionally, it is a linchpin in a freight rail corridor connecting Rotterdam, Netherlands, and Genoa, Italy.
Due to operational limitations on the panoramic route, passenger services will continue at reduced capacity until the tunnel’s full restoration, while extra trains during peak hours will remain unavailable. The temporary disruption serves as a reminder of the tunnel’s pivotal role in European rail connectivity and the intricate challenges that accompany its maintenance and repair.