Plans are in motion for a historic project that could see Europe connected to Africa via a new 17-mile underwater tunnel, with an estimated cost of £5.1 billion.
The ambitious proposal aims to integrate Europe's high-speed rail network with North Africa by the year 2030, contingent upon the approval of a €6 billion funding plan.
The envisioned tunnel would facilitate a high-speed train service by linking Spain's existing rail infrastructure to Morocco's renowned Al Boraq route, known for its impressive speed of 200mph since its inauguration in 2018.
The proposed route, originating from Madrid, Spain, and terminating in Casablanca, Morocco, would traverse through Algeciras and Tangier, passing beneath the Strait of Gibraltar.
While a typical flight from Madrid to Casablanca takes approximately one hour and 50 minutes, the anticipated train journey is projected to take travelers approximately five hours and 30 minutes, offering a unique opportunity to traverse continents via rail.
Strategic planning efforts are already underway, with developers aiming to expedite the construction process to ensure the tunnel's completion within six years. The timeline aligns with aspirations for Spain, Portugal, and Morocco to jointly host the 2030 Fifa World Cup, adding a significant impetus to the project.
Though the precise cost of the endeavor remains uncertain, estimates suggest that it could exceed €6 billion (£5.1 billion). Notably, the Spanish government has already confirmed €2.3 million (£2 million) in EU feasibility funding for the "Europe-Africa Gibraltar strait fixed link," signifying a significant step forward in the project's development.
Raquel Sanchez, Spain's transport minister, emphasized the strategic importance of the project, stating, "We are going to give impetus to the studies of a project of maximum geostrategic importance for our countries and for relations between Europe and Africa.
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