While the Morocco-Spain tunnel is still stagnating in the study phase. Another one on the other bank has just seen the light of day. China has achieved another impressive milestone in global engineering with the completion of the world’s longest road tunnel, located in the northwestern region of Xinjiang. Unveiled this week, this project inspires other nations and represents a major step forward in connectivity and regional economic development.
With a length of 22.13 kilometers, this tunnel promises to revolutionize travel in a geographically complex region. Connecting southern to northern Xinjiang across the Tianshan Mountains, it cuts a journey of several hours to just 20 minutes. This project, the result of innovation and strategic planning, could offer valuable lessons to other regions facing similar geographic challenges.
Crossing 16 geological faults in the Tianshan Mountains, nicknamed the “ geological museume” for their complexity, the tunnel represents a remarkable feat of engineering. More than 3,000 workers participated in its construction, overcoming extreme geological challenges to set this world record.
The integration of a 706 meter deep ventilation shaft – surpassing the height of the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China – illustrates the technical prowess of the project. These advances show how natural obstacles can be overcome through innovation and massive mobilization of resources.
The tunnel is not just a technical feat; it reflects a long-term regional development strategy. By facilitating travel, it stimulates the local economy, improves the living conditions of residents and offers promising tourism potential.
This approach is an example of the positive impact that ambitious infrastructure can have, particularly in regions with complex natural barriers. For Morocco and Spain, who share the idea of a possible tunnel under the Strait of Gibraltar, this Chinese project could serve as technical and strategic inspiration.
The construction of a tunnel linking Morocco and Spain has often been mentioned as a historic opportunity to bring Europe and Africa closer together, with considerable economic and cultural benefits. However, the Strait of Gibraltar’s geological complexity, deep seabed and heavy maritime traffic pose challenges comparable to, if not greater than, those of the Tianshan Mountains.
Chinese success shows that these obstacles are not insurmountable. Technological and economic cooperation between Morocco and Spain, combined with international experts, could make this vision a reality. Furthermore, such a project could become a symbol of regional cooperation, promoting trade, tourism and connectivity.
As China continues to redefine infrastructure standards, Morocco and Spain could leverage these lessons to bring similar projects to fruition. A tunnel under the Strait of Gibraltar would not only be a technical feat, but also a bridge between two continents, strengthening economic and cultural ties.
