World’s longest train tunnel to open under Swiss Alps
Travelling around Europe is about to get a whole lot quicker with the opening of Switzerland’s Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world’s longest and deepest railway tunnel.
The tunnel, constructed over 17 years at the cost of $12 billion will run through the rocky Swiss Alps at depths that of 2.3km deep. The line is 57 km in length and will offer a speedy, green alternative to flying with travellers able to journey from Zurich to Milan in two and half hours.
The tunnel is also expected to connect areas like Rotterdam, Holland and Antwerp with Adriatic ports, which will hopefully reduce air pollution along trade routes.
During a period of rising European tension, this new project is hoped to be an example of what can be achieved when the nations cooperate and band together.
Swiss president Johann Schneider-Ammann was joined by German chancellor Angela Merkel, French president François Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi where all there to enjoy the maiden voyage and opening of the tunnel.
Have you ever caught a train through Europe? Or do you prefer flying? Do you think the opening of this new route will change your decision to fly/train in future?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
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