The New Rail Link through the Alps (NRLA)

The Giruno exiting the Gotthard base tunnel portal in Erstfeld.
The NRLA shortens travel times for passengers between north and south.
© SBB

The New Rail Link through the Alps (NRLA) is an epic achievement. By building three new base tunnels through the Alps and by upgrading the access routes, Switzerland has managed to bring the north and south of the country – as well as Europe – closer together. The Lötschberg Base Tunnel has been in operation since 2007. The Gotthard Base Tunnel was opened and entered into service in 2016. At 57km long it is the world’s longest rail tunnel. In 2020 the NRLA was completed when the Ceneri Base Tunnel entered into service. Journey times between the north and south will be reduced by up to one hour for passengers, whilst the flat link increases rail’s environmentally friendly credentials for freight traffic.

https://www.bav.admin.ch/content/bav/en/home/verkehrstraeger/eisenbahn/bahninfrastruktur/ausbauprogramme/abgeschlossene-ausbauprogramme/neat.html