SSB reports damage in the Gotthard Tunnel

SSB states that the repairs in the Gotthard Tunnel will take ‘several months.’, as reported by the railway portal Railway Supply.

It is expected that after the freight train accident on August 10, 2023, clearing and rescue efforts will continue throughout September.

Swiss Federal Railways (SSB) has provided updated information on the significant clearing and rescue operation at the site of the accident in the western tunnel following the derailment of cargo, noting that it will take several months to address the damage.

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The repair procedure is ongoing sequentially and, according to SSB, is of a very large scale, with people working in two shifts seven days a week, and the work will continue until the end of September.

SSB reported that freight transport is still taking place through the tunnel but with restrictions: ‘Currently, about 90 out of a maximum of 100 freight trains run through the Gotthard Base Tunnel per day.

‘Additionally, 15 to 20 freight trains per day run on the Gotthard Panorama Route. SBB, together with its partners, is doing everything possible to further improve the freight transport situation.’

In the incident that occurred around 12:50 Central European Time, a double-locomotive train consisting of 30 freight cars of ‘different types’ derailed in Faido or near it.

According to the train operator, 22 out of the 30 cars were removed from the tunnel, with several sustaining such severe damage that they had to be dismantled inside the tunnel before they could be extracted.

The official statement also noted that a temporary path through the southern portal, located 15 km from the accident site, was created for the recovery of the derailed cars.

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