Longest overland railway tunnel opens in Switzerland

The Loetschberg Base Tunnel runs 21 miles under the Swiss Alps, making it the longest overland tunnel on earth. After eight years of construction and $3.5 billion project will link Germany and Italy via Switserland and cut the travel time between the two countries to just under two hours, compared to the former time of three and a half.

Part of the initiative for the railway was to ease traffic on the overcrowded tunnel that takes motor vehicles under the Alps. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Northern entrance of the tunnel, in the village of Frutigen and the train carried the Swiss Transport Minister.

Over 1,000 people were waiting at the end of the maiden voyage to celebrate with fireworks and champagne. After all the hoopla died down, the train headed southward for its second journey, loaded with journalists. The rubber-cushioned tracks assure a comfortable ride, where passenger trains can reach speeds of 100 mph. cargo trains will be able to surge along at 150 mph.

It’s the Swiss who will foot the bill for the tunnel, but the alleviation of traffic jammed roads is worth it. Traffic has increased tenfold since the eighties in the region, and getting skiing tourists off the roads and onto trains is in their best interest.