Following Elon Musk’s recent declaration that his business, The Boring company, could build the ambitious transatlantic tunnel connecting New York City and London for $20 billion, the notion has reappeared. The plan, which has been in the works for decades, calls for the construction of a huge tunnel that would run more than 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometres) into the Atlantic Ocean. Such a project has historically been considered impracticable because of its high cost, difficult technological requirements, and necessary engineering scale. But with to Musk’s creative strategy and technological breakthroughs, interest in this historic infrastructure project has increased globally.
Although Musk’s idea has sparked enthusiasm, experts are nonetheless wary about the project’s viability. There are many engineering, economical, and environmental obstacles to overcome when constructing a 3,000-mile tunnel beneath the Atlantic Ocean. Important issues include:
• Technical viability: overcoming severe underwater circumstances, seismic hazards, and oceanic pressure.
• Cost: Experts foresee finance issues, although Musk’s $20 billion estimate is viewed as extremely optimistic.
• Technological Readiness: On such a huge scale, the Hyperloop is still primarily experimental and unproven.
• Environmental Impact: Careful consideration must be given to how construction may affect carbon emissions and marine habitats.
• Regulatory Obstacles: It will be difficult to coordinate a project of this size between national and international organisations.