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"Growth in traffic 1882 - 1960"
The first tunnels through the Gotthard, Simplon and Lötschberg mountains are built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Traffic levels then increase more sharply than expected. Lines are electrified and upgraded, locomotives become more powerful, and trains start to run more frequently. A radical solution, first mooted in the years between the two world wars, comes to the fore in the 1950s: longer, lower-lying base tunnels.
An iron road made of steel
The rail is not a standard design: it goes through multiple variants in the course of its development.
View eventThe long-standing committee
The legendary Gotthard mountain range also gives its name to a committee. Dedicated to promoting development of the Alpine axis, it was formed in 1853.
View eventTicino sets the pace
The peripheral region of Ticino boasts some magnificent historic stations. The locals are quicker off the mark than their counterparts in central Switzerland, building while money is still available.
View eventInauguration of the Gotthard Tunnel
When it opens, the first tunnel through the Gotthard is the longest rail tunnel in the world. It is mostly financed by foreign capital.
View eventThe Gotthard railway in literature
Spitteler, Moeschlin and Schädelin are just some of the writers captivated by the Gotthard railway.
View eventThe second tunnel
After the Gotthard, the Simplon Tunnel becomes the second rail line through the Swiss Alps. Now, western Switzerland is connected to the south.
View eventNationalisation of the Gotthard Railway Company
The SBB is created following the nationalisation of Switzerland’s major private railways. The last to be integrated is the Gotthard, which proves to be the most profitable line.
View eventLink through the Lötschberg
The Lötschberg line and its tunnel connect Switzerland’s western plateau with Italy.
View eventThe battle with nature
Railways are a comparatively environmentally friendly means of transport. In the Alps, however, they come up against the forces of nature.
View eventThe first base tunnel
Long before the Gotthard and Lötschberg, the first base tunnel in Swiss rail history is driven through the hills at Hauenstein near Olten.
View eventWater replaces coal
Electrification of the Gotthard line is completed in 1924. Switzerland now gets the energy to power its trains from its own hydroelectric plants rather than coal from Prussia.
View eventThe Europe-Africa Express
An engineer has a vision: from Basel to Chiasso by rail in just two hours – time enough for a shower, a haircut and some telephone calls.
View eventRail tourism
Rail is a popular means of transport. Switzerland’s railway lines contribute to its success as a tourist destination.
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