Switzerland is set to open the world's longest and deepest train tunnel - the Gotthard Base Tunnel - following the completion of its exhaustive safety and technical tests by The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB).

A 17-year pioneering project which extends for 57 km down to a maximum depth of 2300 m under the Gotthard massif, the Gotthard Base Tunnel will enter into service tomorrow (December 11).
 
The dual-track tunnel will bring northern and southern Switzerland closer together, and cut travel time between the neighbouring countries.

It will permit passengers from near and far to spend more time at their destination, discovering the many delights of Switzerland north and south of the Alps.  

This pioneering project will enable passengers to speed under the Alps in some 17 minutes.

Switzerland already possesses the densest public transport network on the planet. And over the years it has increased its impressive lead over other nations.

The Gotthard Base Tunnel will now permit passengers to travel under the Gotthard massif in some 17 minutes. It will cut 30 to 40 minutes off travel time from German-language to Italian-language Switzerland.

The new traffic artery will mean faster and more frequent connections, using modernized and new rolling stock. The Gotthard Base Tunnel is a compelling reason to explore the north and south of Switzerland by public transport. -TradeArabia News Service