The Extraordinary Feat of the Gotthard Base Tunnel: A Journey Through the Swiss Alps

🚇The Gotthard Base Tunnel is the longest railway tunnel in the world, surpassing the famous Channel Tunnel by more than six kilometers.

🗻The tunnel pierces through the geological millefeuille of the Saint-Gotthard massif in the Swiss Alps, overcoming immense technical challenges.

🚂The tunnel reduces truck traffic by transferring road freight to trains, improving transportation efficiency and decreasing energy requirements.

⏱️The completion of the Gotthard Base Tunnel and the complementary Ceneri base tunnel have significantly reduced travel time between Zurich and Lugano.

🌐The Gotthard Base Tunnel is a part of the high-speed line linking Milan to Zurich, further connecting Europe and improving cross-border transportation.

How long did it take to construct the Gotthard Base Tunnel?

—The construction of the Gotthard Base Tunnel took 22 years to complete, starting in the 1990s and finishing in 2016.

What are the benefits of the Gotthard Base Tunnel?

—The tunnel brings Switzerland and Italy closer together, improves transportation efficiency, reduces truck traffic, and decreases travel time between major cities.

What challenges were faced during the construction of the tunnel?

—The tunnel construction faced challenges such as the complex geological structure, delicate rocks, and the need for innovative solutions to ensure safety and stability.

How does the Gotthard Base Tunnel contribute to sustainable transport?

—By transferring road freight to trains, the tunnel reduces carbon emissions, saves energy, and improves the overall sustainability of transportation in the region.

What is the future of railway tunnel construction after the Gotthard Base Tunnel?

—The Mont-Cenis base tunnel, currently under construction, will soon surpass the Gotthard Base Tunnel in length and connect Lyon and Turin via a high-speed transalpine line.

00:00Introduction to the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the longest railway tunnel in the world, connecting Switzerland and Italy.

02:22History of the previous railway tunnel and its significance as a technical feat.

05:23Geological challenges and the need for extensive rock analysis in the construction process.

08:35Excavation methods used, including tunnel boring machines and conventional explosives.

11:22The final stages of construction, including railway installations and safety features.

11:47Duration and significance of the Gotthard Base Tunnel project and future tunnel developments.