Dubai-Mumbai underwater train: Study progressing, construction details revealed

Abu Dhabi: The much-discussed underwater train project connecting Dubai and Mumbai is moving forward with discussions and studies currently underway, according to Abdullah Al Shehi, Managing Director of the UAE National Advisor Bureau Limited. In a recent interview with Khaleej Times, Al Shehi shared insights on the ambitious plan, which aims to revolutionise transportation between the UAE and India.

The project, which was first proposed in 2018, has been a subject of interest across both countries. While the feasibility study is still ongoing, Al Shehi confirmed that the initiative is making steady progress. Despite recent reports in Indian news outlets about the project, Al Shehi emphasised that no official financial commitment can be made until approval from various sectors is obtained. Therefore, a clear timeline for the project’s commencement remains uncertain for now.

The proposed high-speed underwater train aims to drastically reduce travel time between the UAE and India. Currently, it takes approximately four hours to fly from the UAE to India by plane, but the underwater train, with its speed of up to 1000 kilometers per hour, could cut this time down to just two hours. The primary goal of the project is to enhance trade relations between UAE and India. Al Shehi highlighted that the train would not only support passenger transportation but also facilitate the movement of goods, including oil and water.

One of the most ambitious aspects of the project is its plan to transport water from the Narmada River in central India to the UAE. The train would link multiple countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Oman, providing an international transportation corridor that could transform trade routes.

The train will travel through concrete tunnels constructed 20-30 meters below the surface of the Arabian Sea. The infrastructure and technology required for such a monumental project are still in the study phase, but the potential benefits for both nations' economies are enormous.

Many other innovative ideas have been shared by the UAE National Advisor Bureau Limited earlier, such as the proposal to send icebergs from Antarctica to the UAE to combat climate change.