Europe’s tallest and broadest mountain range, the Alps, present a formidable barrier stretching 1,200km across eight countries in a sweeping curve from France to Austria. Throughout history, traversing the Alps has been a perilous endeavor essential for travel, commerce, and military operations in Europe. Notable figures like Hannibal and Napoleon strategically led their armies through the mountains, highlighting the region’s historical significance.
The introduction of the Gotthard Base Tunnel in 2016 revolutionized travel between northern and southern Europe, costing approximately £11.5bn to construct. Serving as a vital transportation link, this tunnel reduces travel time for both passengers and freight moving between Basel, Zurich, Milan, and Lugano by up to one hour. Spanning 57km with a depth of 2.3km, the tunnel allows trains to travel at speeds of up to 155mph due to its innovative design.
Unlike traditional mountain tunnels that wind through the terrain, the Gotthard Base Tunnel provides a flat route beneath the Alps, a groundbreaking feat in tunnel engineering. Surpassing the length of the Channel Tunnel by 7km, it also outstrips Japan’s Seikan rail tunnel by 3km in length. This modern marvel replaced the original Gotthardbahn rail tunnel from 1882, marking a significant advancement in infrastructure technology.
The construction of the Gotthard Base Tunnel, initiated in the 1980s and completed after 17 years of meticulous work, faced challenges such as preventing collapses under the immense mountain pressure. The tunnel’s stability is ensured by reinforced steel rings supporting the weight of the overlying mountain mass. The project utilized a colossal drill, comparable in size to four football fields, which excavated 40m of mountain daily, showcasing the scale and complexity of the engineering undertaking.
