DHAKA: The world’s longest and deepest rail tunnel is to be officially opened in Switzerland, after almost two decades of construction work.

The 57km (35-mile) twin-bore Gotthard tunnel will provide a high-speed rail link under the Swiss Alps between northern and southern Europe.

Switzerland says it will revolutionize European freight transport, reports the BBC.

The tunnel will overtake Japan’s 53.9 km Seikan rail tunnel as the longest in the world and push the 50.5 km Channel Tunnel linking the UK and France into third place.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi are due to attend the grand opening.

The completed tunnel travels up to 2.3 km below the surface of the mountains above and through rock that reaches temperatures of 46C.

When full services begin in December, the journey time for travellers between Zurich and Milan will be reduced by an hour to two hours and 40 minutes.

About 260 freight trains and 65 passenger trains will pass through the tunnel in as little as 17 minutes.

Swiss bank Credit Suisse has said is economic benefits will include the easier movement of goods and increased tourism.

BDST: 1050 HRS, JUNE 01, 2016
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