Underwater Rail Connecting UAE And India Still In Conceptual Stage, Says UAE Official
Recently, the underwater project connecting Mumbai and Dubai had gone widely viral on social media. Diluting the anticipation, Abdulla Al Shehhi, Managing Director of the National Advisor Bureau Limited, has clarified that the underwater railway project is still in its “conceptual stage”.
The clarification came in after Indian media outlets reported about the proposed railway networks. The grand project, which was suggested in 2018, was largely discussed in Indian media houses last week. However, Al Shehhi said that the project is still being studied for feasibility. While speaking to Khaleej Times, Al Shehhi also added that it is impossible to predict the confirmed date of its approval, as the bureau has not received official approval before discussing funding of the project.
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However, once it is implemented, the project would help in trade between the UAE and India, and the overall region surrounding both the countries. And other proposed routes include Karachi, Muscat, and will also connect it to the Indian subcontinent. Further, Al Shehhi added that it would be easier for the people in India to use the train rather than depending on planes.
One of the main goals of the underwater project is to transport oil from the UAE to India, and also transport water from the Narmada River in Central India to the UAE. The train will be automated using electromagnets, known as maglev technology, which would hurl the train to speeds up to 1,000 kmph. The train would travel through concrete tunnels, which will be completely submerged 20–30 metres below the Arabian Sea’s surface, and would be anchored for stability.
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“With the project, the UAE will be India’s gateway to the Arabian Gulf, both for passengers and goods, and will be a strategic shift for the UAE’s national economy,” Al Shehhi said.
