Preface

In prehistoric times, tunnelling was used to enlarge caves. Later, the Persians, Etruscans, Romans used it for irrigation, drainage, mining. The first road tunnel dates back to 76 CE. The Furlo Pass tunnel in central Italy was built by Roman emperor Vespasian.

Reading kit: Some Heidegger, some Homi Bhabha. The first suggests tunnels make a geopolitical point. And Bhabha talks about in-between spaces through which “cultural and political authority are negotiated”.

Channel Tunnel 

Work on this rail tunnel started in 1988 and it opened in 1994, 200 years after it was thought up. It is a 50.5km rail tunnel — 37km under water — linking England with France, beneath the Strait of Dover. It employed 15,000 people.

Press Notes: The then British PM, John Major, called it a “potent symbol” of Britain’s new role in Europe. French PM Balladur spoke about how it would bring the two countries closer. Shh. Listen 
closely.

Seikan Tunnel

This rail tunnel, also with a section under the seabed, connects the Japansese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido. Work on the 53.85km tunnel began in 1964 and ended in 1988. It involved 3,000 people. More than great economic benefits it united the country. 

Press Notes: Japan’s transportation minister hailed it as “a myth come true”. A train broke down near the bottom of it two days later. No casualties, save hubris. 

Gotthard Base 

Opened in Switzerland in 2016 after two decades of work. This rail tunnel runs a length of 57km and employed 3,000 people. Engineers dug and blasted through 73 kinds of rock. Meant to facilitate trade among central European nations.

Press Notes: Top European leaders attended the June 1 opening. French President Hollande recalled the Channel Tunnel. He said: “Since then we are more united... and I hope the British will remember that when the day comes.” On June 23, Britain voted Brexit.

Chenani-Nashri

The 10.8km all-weather tunnel connecting Jammu and Srinagar opened a day after April 1. About 1,500 people were involved in the project that was awarded in 2010, at the time of UPA II. 

Press Notes: The PM called it the state’s “fate line”. Light at the end of this tunnel — but look at the renewed roil in the Valley.

Upala Sen