`` The world 's longest tunnel should become operational at the end of 2017 , '' the statement said . The tunnel will reduce travel time in the region , including between Switzerland and Italy . They say costs for railroads have increased as international trade goes up . It will also allow millions more tons of goods to pass through the region by rail , officials say .
The tunnel will reduce travel time in the region , including between Switzerland and Italy . They say costs for railroads have increased as international trade goes up . It will also allow millions more tons of goods to pass through the region by rail , officials say .