A submarine rail link between Morocco and Spain may be back in the cards after 30 years, following a meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) held in Geneva. African and European parties support the plan, which would extend from Punta Paloma in southern Spain to Punta Malabata east of Tangiers. The project is seen as an economic and social boom for both countries.
While the plans are a long way from implementation, a draft resolution came from the meeting calling for Executive Secretaries of the Economic Commissions for Africa and Europe to begin feasibility studies. Construction could be completed by 2025.
Postponed for so long on economic grounds, the double-track rail tunnel could prove to be a crucial connection between Europe and North Africa. The parties interested in the development of this complex project have discussed in Geneva about the possibility to economically develop the two countries which will be connected below the Gibraltar Strait. Europe, “paralysed” by austerity measures and a series of other financial problems, could thus access and develop the African market, which would give Morocco a stimulus for financial and economic development. In turn, Morocco, more than any other country in the north of Africa, has made considerable efforts to attract foreign investors.
The political factor in the two countries that are directly affected brought back to discussion in July the possibility to build this tunnel. Thus, during a recent meeting of Spanish Minister of Transport and Public Works, Ana Pastor, and her Moroccan counterpart, Aziz Rabbah, both countries have acknowledged the economic importance of better transport connections between Europe and North Africa.
“It is essential to set cross-border connections and transport services to ensure connectivity and to improve access to global markets”, said Minister Ana Pastor.
According to initial draft projects, after years and years of feasibility studies and geological prospects, the total length between the terminals on the two continents will be of 42 km. The actual tunnel could be 38.7 km long, of which 28 km could be built 400 metres below sea level. If it gets the green light, the Gibraltar Tunnel will be exclusively dedicated to railway transport and costs could amount to over EUR 6 Billion.
It is estimated that after placing in service in 2025, the tunnel below the Gibraltar Strait will be transited by nine million passengers per year and their number is expected to increase to 11 million in the second year since placing in service. The volume of freight carried after 2025 was estimated at 8 million tonnes a year. It is also estimated that the running speed of passenger trains will be 120 km/h and the alternative of high-speed trains is also considered.
[ by Elena Ilie ]
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