With 57 km, the world’s longest tunnel is a source of pride for Switzerland, but it could soon be beaten by a French project

Switzerland is home to some of the most impressive engineering feats in the world, and the Gotthard Base Tunnel stands proudly at the top of that list. Stretching over 57 kilometers, this monumental tunnel, completed in 2016, is not only the longest railway tunnel in the world but also the deepest. It’s a true symbol of Swiss innovation and precision, yet its reign could soon be challenged by a project across the border in France.

The Gotthard Base Tunnel: A Marvel of Swiss Engineering

The Gotthard Base Tunnel, which connects the towns of Erstfeld and Bodio in Switzerland, is nothing short of a marvel. At 2,300 meters beneath the surface, it cuts through the heart of the Swiss Alps, a feat that took 17 years to complete. The tunnel is part of a larger effort to create a more efficient transport link between northern and southern Europe. Once in operation, it drastically reduced travel time between Zurich and Milan by 30 minutes.

The project, which started in 1999, was completed within budget (although initial costs were doubled from an estimated 6 billion CHF to 12 billion CHF) and even finished a year ahead of schedule. This project was not just a triumph of Swiss engineering, but also a demonstration of careful project management, with 28 million cubic meters of rock excavated without the major cost overruns that have plagued other European projects.

The Gotthard Tunnel has two parallel tubes for passenger and freight trains, with regular services running at speeds up to 200 km/h. This strategic connection allows for smoother transportation of goods between industrial hubs in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, and Switzerland.

Did you know? The Gotthard Base Tunnel is considered one of the greatest modern engineering accomplishments. It has also helped reduce carbon emissions by encouraging the use of rail over road transport, supporting sustainable energy in Europe¹.

The Mont-d’Ambin Tunnel: France’s Bid to Steal the Record

While the Gotthard Base Tunnel currently holds the crown as the world’s longest tunnel, France is set to challenge that distinction. The Mont-d’Ambin Base Tunnel, part of a new railway link between Lyon and Turin, is being constructed with a planned length of 57.5 kilometers—just slightly longer than its Swiss counterpart.

This tunnel, once completed in 2032, will run through the Alps, connecting Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne in France to Susa in Italy. Designed for high-speed and freight trains, the Mont-d’Ambin Tunnel will accommodate speeds of up to 220 km/h, reducing the trans-Alpine road traffic that currently dominates this cross-border route.

As of now, around 14 kilometers of the tunnel have been completed, with construction progressing steadily. The project is a joint effort between France, Italy, and the European Union, showcasing the commitment to increasing cross-border connectivity while reducing the environmental impact of road transport.

A Competitive Edge for the European Transport Network

The Mont-d’Ambin Tunnel is set to provide a much-needed improvement to the transportation infrastructure in southern Europe. This new route will make it easier for goods to travel from the industrial regions of northern Europe to the Mediterranean, accelerating trade and supporting the green transition by encouraging the use of rail over more polluting road transport.

In fact, with both the Gotthard and Mont-d’Ambin tunnels providing crucial connections between northern and southern Europe, these projects are helping to reshape European transport, not just in terms of speed but also sustainability. As tunnels like these are built, local economies will benefit from job creation and energy-efficient transportation systems, further solidifying the importance of renewable energy solutions in transportation.

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The Top 10 Longest Tunnels: A Global Perspective

As of today, the Gotthard Base Tunnel holds the title of the world’s longest tunnel, but the Mont-d’Ambin project is just one example of how infrastructure projects continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in engineering. Here’s a look at the world’s top 10 longest tunnels, completed or under construction:

• Mont-d’Ambin Base Tunnel (France-Italy) – 57.5 km (planned for 2032)

• Gotthard Base Tunnel (Switzerland) – 57.1 km (opened in 2016)

• Seikan Tunnel (Japan) – 54 km (1988)

• Channel Tunnel (France-UK) – 50 km (1994)

• Lötschberg Base Tunnel (Switzerland) – 35 km (2007)

• Guanjiao Railway Tunnel (China) – 33 km (2007)

• Guadarrama Tunnel (Spain) – 28 km (2014)

• Qinling West Railway Tunnel (China) – 28 km (2016)

• Taihang Tunnel (China) – 28 km (2008)

• Hakkōda Tunnel (Japan) – 26 km (2010)

While Switzerland can still claim the title for the longest tunnel, France’s Mont-d’Ambin Tunnel project will not only challenge that title but will also further the continent’s ambitious plans to build a more interconnected and sustainable transport network.

Conclusion: A New Era for Tunnels and Connectivity

The Gotthard Base Tunnel will remain a source of pride for Switzerland for years to come, but the Mont-d’Ambin Tunnel is a reminder of how engineering and international collaboration continue to drive forward European infrastructure. As these projects unfold, they will not only change how goods and people move across borders but also play a pivotal role in the future of sustainable transportation in Europe.

Sources:

1. “Reducing Emissions Through Sustainable Transport: The Role of Rail.” https://volteuropa.org/news/how-to-get-on-track-the-role-of-rail-in-reducing-carbon-emissions

2. “Gotthard Base Tunnel: Connecting Europe’s Rail Networks.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gotthard_Base_Tunnel