The operation of the Lötschberg base route
Technology employed in the tunnel
Activities
Over 30 BLS employees work around the clock to maintain the technical systems on the Lötschberg base route to ensure the smooth functioning of the tunnel’s operations:
Maintenance coordinators plan and coordinate the maintenance of the route
in collaboration with management.
Engineers and electricians operate and maintain the tunnel’s technical
installations.
Hydraulic engineers are responsible for the supply of water and the
environmentally friendly disposal of water in the tunnel. A functioning supply
of fresh water is vital to regulate the temperature in the tunnel and therefore
for the overall operation of the technical systems.
Tunnel operators monitor and manage the technical installations, such as
ventilation, air conditioning, gates and video installations. This is performed
via a tunnel control system that is remotely controlled from the BLS operations
centre in Spiez.
Operating the tunnel
The control and monitoring of the base tunnel’s technical installations is performed by specially trained tunnel operators who control the installations from the BLS operations centre in Spiez, using a tunnel management system. They are responsible for:
Tunnel security – security plan for access control, ventilation, alarm functions
and management of staff in the case of emergencies. Goal: no work-related
accidents or health hazards.
System availability – system monitoring, mobilisation and coordination. Goal:
high availability and minimum cost.
Emergency intervention – ventilation, alarm functions and supporting the
rescue teams. Goal: ensuring internal rescue services and supporting external
rescue services.
Further information:
» Technology employed in the tunnel