Trans-Atlantic tunnel is an incredible and ambitious project, but its implementation is considered quite challenging and risky. To build such a long tunnel under the Atlantic Ocean, not only advanced technology will be required, but it will also require massive investment, time and resources.
Entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, who are famous for implementing innovative ideas, are claiming to complete this project at low cost and in less time. His concept of vacuum train technology (like Hyperloop) can be a potential solution for this project. This technology allows trains to run at super-high speeds in airless tunnels, saving both energy and time.
But experts believe that:
- Technical challenges: Building such a deep and long tunnel under the ocean, where there is high pressure and geologically complex conditions, would be very difficult.
- Cost: The project is estimated to cost around 20 trillion dollars, making it one of the most expensive projects in the world.
- Time: If current construction rates are considered, it could take centuries to complete the project.
Oxford University’s mega-project economist, Prof. Bent Flyvbjerg, says that this is a high-risk and time-consuming project. He believes that it is possible that we may not see this project become a ground reality in our lifetime.
But if this project is successful, then connecting culturally and financially important cities like New York and London will open new doors for development. This can also significantly reduce travel time – which today takes 8 hours by plane, will be reduced to just 1 hour. People on both the continents are excited by this idea, but looking at its challenges, it still seems like just a futuristic dream.