For many, train journeys are the most efficient and relaxing way to reach their destination, thanks in part to the tunnels that cut through hills and mountains. While there are over a thousand rail tunnels in the UK, most can be traversed in seconds.
However, one tunnel in the Swiss Alps takes an astonishing 20 minutes to travel through. The Gotthard Base Tunnel holds the world record as the longest and deepest railway tunnel, spanning 35.5 miles between the cantons of Uri and Ticino. This makes it incredibly useful for tourists and locals wanting to reach popular destinations on either side of the Alps.
Specifically, the Gotthard Base Tunnel was designed to reduce the travel time from Zurich, Switzerland to Milan, Italy to just 2.5 hours – a full hour less than the conventional route. The idea for the Gotthard Base Tunnel was first proposed in the late 1940s as a two-story base tunnel for both trains and cars.
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It wasn’t until 1992 that Swiss voters approved the idea. Construction began in November 1999 but due to the sale of the tunnel, it officially opened for public used on June 1, 2016.
The Gotthard Base Tunnel, a marvel of engineering, is utilised today for the transportation of a variety of goods across Europe. This includes passenger and freight trains carrying essentials such as food, fuel, and construction materials, reports the Express.
Despite the tunnel’s impressive length, trains can traverse it in approximately 20 minutes, reaching speeds of up to 125mph. In cases of delay, this speed can be ramped up by 30mph to an astonishing 155mph.
Although this falls short of the velocities achieved by Japan’s bullet trains and France’s TGV by around 45mph, it remains notably fast for a single-track railway. The Gotthard Base Tunnel, despite being the longest train tunnel globally, isn’t the only option for speedy travel.
Alternatives include the Seikan Tunnel in Japan’s Tsugaru Strait, which held the world record until the completion of the 33.5-mile-long project in 1988. The Channel Tunnel, linking the UK and France, also offers a lengthy journey, with its three tubes each spanning a distance of 31.3 miles.