Railway tunnels are marvels of engineering, cutting through mountains, rivers, and even the sea to make travel faster and more convenient. Here’s a list of the top 10 longest railway tunnels in the world, showcasing the incredible feats of human innovation:
1. Gotthard Base Tunnel, Switzerland - 57.1 km
The Gotthard Base Tunnel holds the title of the world’s longest railway tunnel. Stretching 57.1 km beneath the Swiss Alps, it provides a high-speed rail link between northern and southern Europe. It opened in 2016 and reduces travel time significantly between Zurich and Milan.
2. Seikan Tunnel, Japan - 53.9 km
Located beneath the Tsugaru Strait, the Seikan Tunnel in Japan connects the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido. At 53.9 km, it is the longest tunnel in Japan and was a major engineering challenge when it was completed in 1988.
3. Channel Tunnel, France/UK - 50.5 km
Connecting the United Kingdom with mainland Europe, the Channel Tunnel is one of the most iconic tunnels in the world. It stretches 50.5 km beneath the English Channel and is a vital link for both freight and passenger trains, making cross-border travel quicker and more efficient.
4. Yulhyeon Tunnel, South Korea - 50.3 km
The Yulhyeon Tunnel in South Korea is the fourth longest railway tunnel in the world, at 50.3 km. This tunnel is part of the Gyeongbu high-speed rail line, which connects Seoul and Busan, and serves as a key part of the country’s rapid rail network.
5. Songshan Lake Tunnel, China - 38.8 km
The Songshan Lake Tunnel is one of the longest railway tunnels in China, measuring 38.8 km. It is an essential part of China’s expanding high-speed rail network, which has transformed travel within the country.
6. Lötschberg Base Tunnel, Switzerland - 34.6 km
The Lötschberg Base Tunnel, located in Switzerland, is 34.6 km long and runs through the Alps. This tunnel significantly reduces the travel time between Bern and the southern region of Italy.
7. New Guanjiao Tunnel, China - 32.7 km
The New Guanjiao Tunnel, at 32.7 km, is located in China and connects the provinces of Gansu and Qinghai. This tunnel is an essential part of the high-speed rail system that spans across the country.
8. Guadarrama Tunnel, Spain - 28.4 km
Situated in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, the Guadarrama Tunnel in Spain is 28.4 km long. It plays a crucial role in connecting Madrid with the northern regions of Spain, facilitating faster and more efficient travel.
9. West Qinling Tunnel, China - 28.2 km
The West Qinling Tunnel, at 28.2 km, is another significant railway tunnel in China. It helps to shorten travel times on the high-speed rail line that connects the eastern and western parts of the country.
10. Taihang Tunnel, China - 27.8 km
At 27.8 km, the Taihang Tunnel in China is an important part of the country’s high-speed rail network. It cuts through the Taihang Mountain Range, connecting northern and southern regions and offering a more efficient travel route.
These longest railway tunnels in the world represent the ongoing advancements in tunnel construction and engineering. From Switzerland to China, these tunnels not only shorten travel times but also serve as a testament to the power of human ingenuity. As rail networks expand, we can expect even more record-breaking tunnels in the future!
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