The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is indeed considering a project to construct an underwater high-speed rail link connecting Dubai and Mumbai, India. This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by the UAE's National Advisor Bureau Limited (NABL), aims to revolutionize travel and trade between the two countries.
The proposed underwater rail link is envisioned as a 2,000-kilometer subsea rail corridor traversing the Arabian Sea. The project aims to drastically reduce travel time between Mumbai and Dubai to just two hours, a significant decrease compared to the current air travel time of over three hours. The high-speed train is projected to operate at speeds between 600 km/h and 1,000 km/h.
The project's scope extends beyond passenger transport, with plans to facilitate the movement of goods, including crude oil and water, thereby strengthening trade relations between India and the UAE. The underwater train is designed to transport not only passengers but also goods, including crude oil and water, strengthening the trade relations between the countries. The UAE could transport fuel to India, while drinking water could be taken to the Arab nation in high-speed trains.
The project is still in the conceptual stage, pending approvals from the involved governments. If approved, the rail link could potentially be completed by 2030. The project is expected to require billions of dollars in investment due to the technical and engineering challenges involved. Constructing a rail tunnel of such magnitude will involve traversing an active tectonic zone, laying infrastructure at great depths, and securing a route that spans exclusive economic zones.
The UAE is actively pursuing the underwater bullet train project to connect Dubai and Mumbai. The project is still in the planning stages, with discussions continuing among stakeholders. The underwater rail link could redefine international travel, offering a fast, sustainable, and innovative way to connect two of the world’s most important economic centers.