An ambitious underwater train project from Dubai to Mumbai has once again caught public attention. Indian media outlets revived interest in the concept last week.Â
Yet behind flashy headlines lies a sobering reality.
The project remains firmly in conceptual stages with no concrete timeline for implementation.
Underwater Dreams vs Engineering Realities
The Dubai-Mumbai train concept first emerged in 2018. It promised a revolutionary two-hour journey between the metropolises.
Today, officials still classify it as merely conceptual.
"This is not a project ready for implementation. It is purely an idea under exploration," stated Abdulla Al Shehhi, Managing Director of The National Advisor Bureau Limited.
The bureau must obtain official approvals before discussing funding. Al Shehhi admits “it is difficult to confirm this date [of approval].”
This underwater concept would employ magnetic levitation technology.
Trains would hurtle through submerged concrete tunnels at speeds reaching 1,000 km/h. The tunnels would sit 20-30 metres below the Arabian Sea surface.
Global Context: Other Underwater Megaprojects
Norway offers a useful comparison with its Rogaland fixed link. This Rogfast tunnel will extend 26.7 kilometers underwater at depths of 390 meters. Already half-completed, it connects major Norwegian cities and replaces ferry crossings.
The Atlantic tunnel concept dwarfs both projects. It proposes a 3,400-mile link between New York and London. This transatlantic tunnel would cost around $20 trillion.
Trains would travel at speeds exceeding 5,000 mph, completing the journey in 54 minutes.
Elon Musk claimed his Boring Company could deliver the transatlantic tunnel for "1000X less money."
His bold assertion has yet to materialise into concrete plans.
Feasibility Factors: Why Dubai-Mumbai Remains a Paper Train
The Dubai-Mumbai proposal faces formidable challenges. The train would travel approximately 2,000 kilometres underwater. This presents one of the longest and most technically challenging engineering undertakings ever proposed.
Environmental impacts remain largely unaddressed. The project would require extensive diplomatic agreements among several nations.
The UAE, India, potentially Oman, and Pakistan would need unprecedented cooperation should the route span their maritime territories.
Financing such a monumental endeavor poses another roadblock. Experts project costs in the billions.
No official figures exist because feasibility studies are still underway.
The National Advisor Bureau Limited has a history of proposing imaginative schemes. They previously suggested towing Antarctic icebergs to the UAE to address water scarcity.
Potential Benefits: Why Dreamers Won’t Let Go
Despite practical obstacles, potential benefits keep the dream alive. Al Shehhi notes the project would serve approximately 1.5 billion people across the region.
"It will be easier for them to use the train instead of the plane," he argues.
The underwater line wouldn’t just transport people. It aims to facilitate the movement of oil from UAE to India. More surprisingly, it proposes transporting water from India’s Narmada River to the UAE.
Regional economic integration forms another proposed benefit. The project could stimulate growth, boost tourism, and foster closer cultural ties between nations.
Tourism stands to benefit tremendously. Currently, Indian tourists form a substantial market for Dubai.
An underwater train might offer quicker immigration processing and better connectivity.
Beyond the Pipe Dream: Current Realities
Until this futuristic vision materialises, traditional travel options prevail.
Flights connect Mumbai and Dubai in approximately four hours. Tourism agencies continue offering packages based on existing infrastructure.
Some reports suggest 2030 as a target completion date.
However, Al Shehhi has not confirmed any timeline. The bureaucratic tour de force needed for approval makes even this distant date look optimistic.
Norway’s Rogfast project offers sobering context. At just 26.7 kilometers, this much simpler underwater tunnel began construction in 2018. It will take 15 years to complete, finishing in 2033.
The Dubai-Mumbai concept represents both promise and limitation in next-generation connectivity. While technically fascinating, practical realities anchor it firmly in the conceptual realm.
Moving from drawing board to construction would require sustained political will, massive funding commitments, and technological breakthroughs.
For now, this underwater dream remains just that… a dream worth contemplating, not booking tickets for.
Keep up with Daily Euro Times for more updates!
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