Aside from the convenience they provide, high-speed railways may also attract more tourists. Last year, hundreds of railways were reportedly built. Explore some of the most costly ongoing mega-rail projects that have been created around the world.
(Photo : Pexels/ JJ Jordan )
1. High Speed 2 ($137 Billion)
The most expensive railway endeavor globally is High Speed 2 (HS2), an under-construction high-speed railway line in the United Kingdom that aims to connect London, the Midlands, Manchester, the North, and Scotland.
In November 2020, construction began on the project Ltd., which was developed at a projected cost of $ 137 billion. It is anticipated that the project will be finished in phases starting in 2029 and continuing until 2045. The development of this project is being carried out in stages, the first of which establishes a connection between London and the West Midlands. The second and third stages, carried out in Crewe and Manchester, respectively, connect the West Midlands and the North.
2. California High-Speed Rail ($128 billion)
Beginning in January 2015, the California High-Speed Rail Authority is responsible for developing this project, which is expected to be finished in 2040 at a cost exceeding $128 billion. Through this connection, the Salesforce Transit Center in San Francisco can communicate with the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center in Anaheim and Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles.
3. Chuo Shinkansen Maglev Line ($95 Billion)
Chūō Shinkansen is a project being developed by Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central), and it is anticipated to cost not less than $95 billion. With intentions to extend to Osaka, the Chishinka Shinkansen, alternatively referred to as the Tokaido Shinkansen Bypass or Japan's Maglev High-Speed Rail, is a novel railway system under construction spanning from Tokyo to Nagoya.
Beginning in December 2014, construction commenced on Nagoya Station, which spans a total distance of 285.6 kilometers and is the project's initial phase. In 2027, it is anticipated that this phase will become operational. Conversely, the second phase, connected to Osaka and Nagoya, is scheduled to be operational in 2037 or later.
4. Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop, Australia ($87 Billion)
In the Australian state of Victoria, the construction of a rail line project is being carried out by the Victorian Government, which is doing so through Rail Projects Victoria. The construction of a 90-kilometer rail loop comprising thirteen stations is required for the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL), a fully automated rapid transit system.
By allowing commuters to move between suburbs in Melbourne, the project intends to eliminate the need to travel into the city to link between lines. From Frankston to Werribee, it will connect all major rail lines, making reaching Melbourne's health, education, and job centers faster and easier. The design calls for an underground rail loop connecting Melbourne's west and east via the airport and all major train lines. GlobalData expects work to finish in 2085 after starting in June 2022.
5. Grand Paris Express, France ($48 Billion)
Using a 14-kilometer bridge, four new lines, and 68 new stations, Grand Paris Express will create a more seamless connection between Paris and its airports, science hubs, and suburban districts. When the Grand Paris Express is finished, it will be twice as large as the Paris Metro, making it Europe's largest transportation infrastructure project.
In 2018, work began on the tunnels. The initial phase of the project, an addition to Métro line 14, will be finished in time for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Within the time frame of 2025 to 2030, the four new lines will begin operating.
Related Article: Maya Train: Mexico's Ambitious $28B Megaproject Brings Ancient Maya Sites Closer to Tourists
