FCC

Gotthard Base Tunnel set to be completed by end of September

2023-09-12

One month ago, there was a derailment incident involving a goods train in the Gotthard Base Tunnel. For the past two weeks, the undamaged east tunnel has been accessible for freight traffic. Efforts are underway to find solutions that would allow passenger trains to also use the base tunnel during weekends, but there is no specific timeframe for when this will be possible. The extensive cleanup work in the west tunnel, where the accident occurred, is progressing according to schedule.

The comprehensive cleanup and recovery operations at the accident site in the west tunnel are expected to continue until the end of September. Work is being conducted in two shifts, seven days a week. So far, 22 wagons and two locomotives have been successfully removed from the tunnel. Presently, there are still eight wagons inside the tunnel, with some being so severely damaged that they need to be dismantled within the tunnel before removal. These wagons are being extracted through the south portal, which is approximately 15 kilometers away from the accident site. In certain areas, temporary tracks had to be constructed for this purpose.

Concurrently, SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) is conducting a thorough assessment of the damage incurred. This assessment will enable the repair of the damaged railway infrastructure to commence immediately after the completion of the clearance and salvage work at the end of September. Once the precise extent of the damage is determined, SBB can then order the necessary replacement materials.

Since August 23rd, up to four goods trains at a time have been able to pass through the unaffected east tunnel. These are followed by four goods trains traveling in the opposite direction. Presently, around 90 out of a maximum of 100 goods trains per day are utilizing the Gotthard Base Tunnel. Additionally, an extra 15 to 20 goods trains per day are taking the Gotthard panorama route.