The world’s longest and deepest rail tunnel has officially opened in Switzerland after almost two decades of construction work.

The Gotthard Base Tunnel is designed to carry passengers and freight under the Alps. The tunnel will shave 45 minutes off the Zurich to Lugano run, bringing the trip down to under two hours.

The world's longest and deepest rail tunnel has officially opened in Switzerland. It comes after almost two decades of construction work.

The tunnel will carry more than 260 freight trains and 60 passenger trains every day once regular services begin in December. The opening ceremony was attended by various European leaders.

At 57 kilometers, the Gotthard Base Tunnel is the longest of its kind in the world. The record was previously held by the 54-kilometer-Seikan tunnel in Japan, which has now been nudged into second place.

The tunnel will carry more than 260 freight trains and 60 passenger trains every day once regular services begin in December. The opening ceremony was attended by various European leaders.