First Train Through Gotthard Tunnel

On August 25, 1872, a construction locomotive became the first to pass through the 9.3-mile Gotthard Tunnel under the Swiss Alps. This engineering marvel, designed by Louis Favre, overcame immense challenges including water ingress, rock bursts, and the deaths of over 300 workers. The tunnel connected the Swiss Federal Railways network with Italian lines, slashing travel time between Basel and Milan from days to hours. It featured innovative ventilation and drainage systems for the era. The opening dramatically boosted international trade and tourism, solidifying Switzerland's role as a transit hub. The Gotthard route remains one of Europe's busiest rail corridors, with the original tunnel still in use alongside the newer base tunnel.