Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world’s longest, sees the light of day – in pictures

Johann Schneider-Ammann, the Swiss federal president, at the opening day of the Gotthard rail tunnel. Alexandra Wey / EPA

To mark the tunnel opening, huge letters reading "Tunnel" were erected on the embassy of Switzerland in Berlin, Germany. Michael Kappeler / EPA

A billboard announcing the Gotthard Base Tunnel is seen near the northern entrance to the tunnel on the eve of its inauguration in Erstfeld, Canton of Uri, Switzerland. Laurent Gillieron / EPA

A general view of the northern gates of the Gotthard tunnel in Erstfeld. Arnd Wiegmann / Reuters

Priests present for the blessing of the Gotthard tunnel on the opening day. Gartan Bally / EPA

Swiss police officers stand on guard for the opening ceremony. Ruben Sprich / AFP

In this June 16, 2009 file photo, workers are seen watching the tunnel drilling machine 'Gabi' breaking through the last section of the New Railway Link through the Alps tunnel between Erstfeld and Amsteg, Switzerland. Sigi Tischler / Keystone via AP

Workers between Biasca and Amsteg, Switzerland leg of the tunnel in 2013. Karl Mathis / Keystone via AP file)

A test train was run close to the northern gate near Erstfeld in October, 2015. Urs Flueeler / Keystone via AP

A train runs past at the northern entrance of the Gotthard Base Tunnel on the eve of its inauguration. Laurent Gillieron / EPA

The northern gates of the Gotthard Base Tunnel near the town of Erstfeld. Arnd Wiegmann / Reuters

Miners celebrate a breakthrough in the NEAT Gotthard base tunnel in Faido, Switzerland, in September, 2006. Karl Mathis / Keystone via AP

The ticket winners for the first train through the Gotthard tunnel get ready to board. Urs Flueeler / EPA

Fireworks are set off in celebration as the first train comes out of the of the Gotthard Base Tunnel on opening day. Laurent Gillieron / EPA

Liz Claus

The Gotthard Base Tunnel, the longest rail tunnel in the world in Arth-Goldau, Switzerland, opened today. Though its commercial operation will only commence in December this year, the construction of the 57-kilometre long tunnel began in 1999 and its breakthrough was in 2010.

Updated: June 01, 2016, 12:00 AM