Work on the complete reopening of the Gotthard rail tunnel (Switzerland) are nearing completion. This tunnel - the longest in the world at 57 km - was damaged by fire at the end of August 2023.
Since 19 August 2024, trains have been running again in the west tube rThe first train to do so linked Chiasso with Basel. The first train linked Chiasso, on the Italian border, with Basel.
Following tunnel cleaning operations and various tests, the SBB have announced that the tunnel will be fully reopened from 2 September.. According to the Swiss rail operator, all InterCity and EuroCity trains between German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino will once again use the Gotthard base tunnel.
The latter is essential, particularly for services from Zurich to Milan. The line connects with both Germany and the rest of Italy.
Travellers will be able to Zurich to Lugano again in 1 hour 50 minutes and in 2h40 Zurich to Milan. For the first time, SBB will be offering a fixed-interval timetable. Trains will run every 30 minutes on the route between German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino. This will also give passengers a new opportunity to travel to Italy by rail at a time when the France-Italy route via the Maurienne valley remains impossible due to works.
