Imagine taking a high-speed train under the ocean from Dubai to Mumbai, reaching your destination in just a few hours. It sounds like something from a science fiction movie, but this underwater train concept is being explored.
The idea of an underwater railway between Dubai and Mumbai was first proposed in 2018. Recently, news outlets in India have picked up the story again, but there’s an important point to remember: this project is still in its “conceptual stage,” as explained by Abdulla Al Shehhi, the managing director of The National Advisor Bureau Limited.
Underwater Train – The Planning Phase
While the idea has caught the public’s attention, it’s far from being a completed plan. Al Shehhi made it clear that the project is still being studied to understand if it’s truly possible. The feasibility study is crucial, as it will consider various factors like the environment, cost, and the technology needed. Building an underwater railway is no small task, so getting official approval and figuring out how to fund the project will take time.
The idea behind the underwater train is not just about easier travel. It aims to improve trade between the UAE and India, helping both countries connect better with the rest of the Gulf region. Al Shehhi also mentioned that the train could benefit a huge population, connecting over 1.5 billion people in the Gulf and the Indian subcontinent. The train would also make transporting goods, like oil from the UAE to India, much more efficient.
Another interesting goal of the project is transporting water from India’s Narmada River to the UAE. This could help solve water shortages in the UAE, where water is a valuable resource.
How It Would Work?
The underwater train would use maglev technology, which uses powerful magnets to lift the train above the tracks, allowing it to travel at speeds of up to 1,000 km/h. The train would travel through concrete tunnels that would be 20 to 30 meters underwater, providing stability.
While the underwater railway sounds like an exciting idea, it’s still a long way from becoming a reality. Many challenges need to be overcome, including getting approvals and finding funding. But if it happens, this project could change how people and goods move between the UAE and India, creating a new connection for both countries.
