Switzerland's Gotthard Tunnel will remain closed for months after a freight train derailed. In the accident that occurred on August 10, 2023, 16 freight cars derailed and smashed the eight-kilometer train track. The 57 kilometer long tunnel became unusable.
There were no casualties or injuries in the accident, but the tunnel was severely damaged.
The Gotthard Tunnel is an important transit point for goods and cargo transport, especially between Germany and Italy. According to Swiss government data, more than two-thirds of rail freight traffic crossing the Alps in 2022 is through the Gotthard Tunnel.
SBB expects the accident-proof passage of the tunnel to be available for cargo trains from next Wednesday. However, it was stated that it could take months for passenger train traffic to resume.
“It appears that the extent of the damage is much larger than anticipated. In total, about eight kilometers of rail and 20 concrete railroad ties will need to be replaced. Restoration works will continue until the end of 2023.”
Passenger trains will operate on the panoramic route until further notice. This alternative route, with views of the Alps, takes an hour longer for domestic travelers and two hours more for international travelers.
The Gotthard Tunnel opened in 2016 with a grand ceremony and flamboyant theatrical choreography featuring numerous artists. The leaders of France, Italy and Germany gathered at the opening ceremony of the tunnel deep in the Alps, which took 17 years to build and cost 12.2 billion Swiss francs.
The tunnel was built to shorten travel times, relieve road traffic and contribute to reducing air pollution.
Although Switzerland is not one of the 27 members of the European Union, it is of great importance in the EU rail network thanks to this shortcut through the Alps. The tunnel joins a wider rail network stretching from the Dutch port city of Rotterdam to Genoa, Italy.
It was stated that the accident once again revealed the importance of the Gotthard Tunnel and the importance of rail transport over the Alps.