Spain and Morocco have taken a big step in infrastructure development with the construction of an underwater tunnel that will run through the Strait of Gibraltar. This ambitious project, which will connect Punta Paloma, in the south of Spain, with Malabata in Tangier, Morocco, It has an estimated cost of 7,534 million dollars and is positioned as one of the great feats of modern engineering.
(Read: Attention: three signs that could indicate symptoms of dementia)
Ocean
iStock
The idea of connecting Europe and Africa is not recent; Since 1930, various proposals have been made to establish a fixed connection. However, it was in 1981 when the initiative took a formal direction with the creation of the Moroccan National Company for Strait Studies and the Spanish Society of Studies for Fixed Communication through the Strait of Gibraltar (Secegsa).who have worked for decades on the necessary feasibility studies.
(Read: Fashion and colors: what does it mean to wear green?)
This underwater tunnel, which It will reach depths of up to 475 meters and cover a distance of 28 kilometers, it has been compared in magnitude to the Channel Tunnel. Its impact is expected to be significant both in the tourism and economic spheres for both regions. The work It is designed to be a railway connection that promises to transform mobility between the two continents.
With the 2030 World Cup in our sights
Soccer
iStock
one of The main objectives of the project are to complete it for the 2030 Soccer World Cup, co-organized by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. This event has accelerated infrastructure development, urging both countries to complete all necessary studies and planning within the stipulated time frame.
(Read: Do you want muscle mass? The seven protein foods to increase it)
Once completed, It is estimated that the tunnel will significantly reduce travel times. Currently, the journey between Casablanca and Madrid can take up to 12 hours by car and about two hours by plane. With the new rail connection, travel time will be reduced to just five and a half hours. The tunnel is expected to facilitate the passage of 12.8 million passengers and 13 million tons of cargo per year, thus strengthening trade relations between Europe and Africa.
(Read: The advantages of laughter and humor between parents and children, did you know?)
The recent visit of the Minister of Transport of Spain, Óscar Puente, to Morocco underlined the importance of this megaproject. During his meeting with his Moroccan counterpart, Nizar Baraka, the commitment of both nations to advance this key work was highlighted.
PORTFOLIO
