[AMcWhirter]

Some days ago a freight train derailed inside the new Gotthard tunnel.

This tunnel, which opened in 2016, is 57 kms long.

It’s a busy route for both passenger and freight trains.

One bore cannot be used now. The Guardian reports freight traffic is expected to resume next Wednesday but passenger traffic will have to wait for months.

In the meantime the former slower, albeit more scenic route, is being used.

However both Zurich and Milan are rail hubs so readers taking this route must recheck schedules as not all connections can be made.

It will also impact on Swiss rail-air connections for customers coming from Ticino to Zurich airport.

Previously there used to be a regular air link from Lugano to Zurich but Swiss, in its quest to be an eco-friendly airline, now relies on Swiss Rail to take its customers to Zurich airport.

I suspect some of these Swiss customers will defect to Milan Malpensa which is not far from Lugano.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/17/gotthard-base-tunnel-railway-train-closed-for-months-switzerland-derailment?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

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