In the News

New Tunnel Cuts Travel Time

The opening of the 34.6 kilometre Lötschsberg base train tunnel, opened in late 2007, has allowed the Swiss to cut a third of their travel time between the north and south of Switzerland. It reduces train times considerably from many parts of the country to canton Valais, with local resorts eager to cash in on the expected increase in visitors.

The Lötschberg tunnel has its advantages but gives the operators huge challenges because there is only a single track over a 21-kilometre stretch, so trains must be punctual. The Lötschberg tunnel, which cost about 4 billion CHF to plan and build, has contingency plans for trains that turn up late. They will either have to wait for a new slot or go through the old tunnel.