With a construction period of almost 17 years, and extending to 57k in length, the world's longest tunnel is regarded as the "Swiss project of the century", and has attracted many superlatives.
The construction, which is 7k longer than the Eurotunnel, is the heart of the new Railway Link through the Alps and connects the cantons of Uri in the north portal Erstfeld in central Switzerland to the south portal in Bodio (Canton Ticino). As a result, the travel time from Zurich to Milan has been reduced by one hour to about two hours 40 minutes. For freight transport, the new Gotthard tunnel brings greater capacity, faster connections and improved reliability. The new rail tunnel is recognised as an outstanding technical and organisational feat worldwide.
At the opening ceremony, more than 1,000 guests from the world of politics and local dignitaries, including distinguished guests from neighbouring countries, arrived on 1 June at the foot of the Gotthard.
Theatre director Volker Hesse staged a spectacle with 600 performers to commemorate this ultra-modern new tunnel, featuring various musicians such as Alphornbl
