Railway Construction and Operation at Gotthard

Since its opening in 1882, the Gotthard railway line has held a central position in the transportation network of Switzerland and Europe. As the most direct connection between Germany and Italy, it was a significant factor in the technical and economic development of Europe in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Thanks to ongoing modernizations, such as the expansion to double track, electrification, renewal of fixed installations, and operational technology, the railway line has managed to keep pace with the growing demand for transport for over a hundred years. The opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel will redefine the Gotthard railway in the coming decade. To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Gotthard railway, one author and five authors, all recognized transportation historians, recount the history of the Gotthard railway—from the initial discussions about the route to the present day.