Simplon Tunnel Passenger Service Begins

On May 30, 1908, scheduled passenger service started through the 12.3-mile Simplon Tunnel between Brig, Switzerland and Iselle, Italy. Built by the Jura-Simplon Railway with innovative ventilation and electric lighting, the tunnel used early electric locomotives to handle the steep approaches. It dramatically shortened the journey between northern Europe and Milan, bypassing the old Simplon Pass road. The engineering feat, completed despite flooding and rockfalls, symbolized international cooperation and remained the world's longest tunnel until 1982, carrying millions of passengers and freight cars annually.