A video grab taken from SRG footage, shows a split screen displaying VIP trains entering the northern end of the tunnel in Erstfield and southern side of the tunnel in Bodio, during the opening ceremony of the NEAT Gotthard Base Tunnel. [Photo/Agencies]

The European leaders hailed the project as an inspiration for all who want to live the dream of people circulating freely.

"I would like to see what binds us and understand how to use it. That is what the Gotthard Tunnel symbolises," Merkel said.

"Switzerland has not just built a tunnel, but opened a route to the future of Europe," Hollande added, joking amid rail strikes at home that it would be a achievement to see trains travelling at 200 km/hour as they will through the tunnel.