In engineering, railway tunnels are remarkable accomplishments that traverse difficult terrains, including mountains and oceans, to connect regions and countries. Not only do these infrastructure marvels improve transportation efficacy, but they also demonstrate human ingenuity. With their opening years, localities, and lengths, these are the top ten longest railway tunnels in the world.
Table of the Longest Railway Tunnels
Rank | Tunnel Name | Location | Length (km) | Year Opened |
1 | Gotthard Base Tunnel | Switzerland | 57.1 | 2016 |
2 | Seikan Tunnel | Japan | 53.85 | 1988 |
3 | Channel Tunnel | France/UK | 50.5 | 1994 |
4 | Yulhyeon Tunnel | South Korea | 50.3 | 2016 |
5 | Songshan Lake Tunnel | China | 38.82 | 2017 |
6 | Lötschberg Base Tunnel | Switzerland | 34.6 | 2007 |
7 | New Guanjiao Tunnel | China | 32.7 | 2014 |
8 | Guadarrama Tunnel | Spain | 28.4 | 2007 |
9 | West Qinling Tunnel | China | 28.2 | 2016 |
10 | Taihang Tunnel | China | 27.8 | 2007 |
1. Gotthard Base Tunnel (Switzerland) – 57.1 km
Comprising 57.1 km under the Swiss Alps, the Gotthard Base Tunnel is the longest railway tunnel in the world. Opening in 2016, it links northern and southern Europe, greatly lowering travel distances and enhancing goods movement. Deeply buried 2,450 meters below the mountain range, the tunnel is a real masterwork of contemporary engineering.
2. 53.85km Seikan Tunnel (Japan)
The Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido are linked by the Seikan Tunnel. Approaching 53.85 kilometres, it included a 23.3-kilometre segment under the Tsugaru Strait. Designed to endure strong sea conditions and earthquakes, this wonder was finished in 1988 and remained the longest tunnel until the Gotthard Base Tunnel took over.
3. Channel Tunnel (France/UK) – 50.5 km
Known sometimes as the “Chunnel,” the Channel Tunnel connects France with the United Kingdom under the English Channel. Having opened in 1994, it has the longest underwater segment in the world—37.9 kilometres. Both passenger and cargo trains depend on this essential link, therefore reinforcing the ties between Britain and continental Europe.
4. Yulhyeon Tunnel 50.3km South Korea
A key component of South Korea’s sophisticated railway system is the Yulhyeon Tunnel. Covering 50.3 kilometres, it emphasizes South Korea’s sophisticated tunnelling skills. First opened in 2016, it drastically cuts high-speed rail travel time.
5. Songshan Lake Tunnel (China) – 38.82 km
The Songshan Lake Tunnel, which runs 38.82 kilometres in China, Finished in 2017, it highlights China’s explosive infrastructure expansion, especially in train systems linking large areas throughout the nation.
6. Lötschberg Base Tunnel (Switzerland) – 34.6 km
Comprising 34.6 kilometers, Switzerland’s Lötschberg Base Tunnel opened in 2007 offers a quick and effective path over the Alps. Designed to enhance passenger and goods movement, this is a vital component of the Swiss rail system.
7. New Guanjiao Tunnel, China – 32.7km
Comprising 32.7 kilometres, the New Guanjiao Tunnel is situated in China. Opening in 2014, it improves connection across China’s Qinghai-Tibet Plateau’s steep environment, therefore supporting the growth of high-altitude rail systems.
8. Guadarrama Tunnel, Spain; 28.4 kilometres
Computed to be 28.4 km over the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, Spain’s Guadarrama Tunnel was completed in 2007. It is essential for the fast train system of the nation as it increases traffic between Madrid and Valladolid.
9. West Qinling Tunnel, China; 28.2 km
At 28.2 kilometres, the West Qinling Tunnel is another Chinese technical marvel. Opening in 2016, it spans the Qinling Mountains, therefore facilitating train connections between China’s northern and southern parts.
10. Taihang Tunnel, China; 27.8km
Completion of the 27.8-kilometer Taihang Tunnel came in 2007. Rising in the Taihang Mountains, it links China’s eastern and western areas, therefore promoting economic growth and enhancing train efficiency.
Conclusion
Testaments to human creativity, the longest railway tunnels in the world help to solve geographical obstacles thereby improving world connection. In addition to transforming travel, these tunnels support the area’s economic development and growth. Future infrastructure projects should be even more amazing as technology develops.