Gotthard tunnel fully operational from 2 September
Following the derailment of a goods train in the 57 km long Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland on 10 August 2023, works to repair the damages in the west tunnel are in full swing.
A trial run is scheduled for August to test the new tracks. If the tests are successful, and based on the progress made so far, the tunnel should be fully reopened to rail traffic on 2 September 2024, the Swiss railways SBB said. This will also give freight transport the same number of slots on the north-south axis through Switzerland that it had before the accident.
The damage caused by the train derailment amounts to around CHF 150 million, most of which is insured, according to SBB. Since the train derailment, the tunnel has only been open to freight traffic on weekdays. (ben)