Connectivity creates synergies and generates prosperity. Emerging technologies hold the promise of creating a world that we could have barely imagined even a few decades ago. In my opinion, the proposed Mumbai to Fujairah underwater high-speed train project would be an excellent use of technology to empower regional cooperation and allied strengths.
We live in exciting times. In this age of innovation and disruption through technology, projects and initiatives are becoming possible that would have been the stuff of science fiction not too long ago. The entire world has become empowered with several technologies to do with communication and the exchange of data. I believe an even more significant transformation can occur if we can create worldwide networks of high-speed transport that also facilitate the movement of people and goods with similar ease.
I have always been a dreamer. I believe the ability to conceive and imagine a new way to do things is an invaluable asset for any entrepreneur. I habitually look through news stories relating to emerging technologies, as well as the innovative ways in which it is applied for the common good of all. And not a day goes by when I don’t come across either some promising research or the creative use of an existing technology. Recently, when the UAE’s National Advisor Bureau Limited announced that it was considering the concept for an underwater high-speed train connection from UAE to Mumbai, it was of particular interest to me.
Every time humanity has innovated a new and unprecedented way to transport human beings and goods fast and efficiently, the prosperity of the populations that adopted it has changed for the better, dramatically. But even if we consider that tech advancements like video conferencing and the like have made business interactions across global geographies an easy task, the actual opening up of a physical route paves the way for massive greater economic and trade possibilities. I, therefore, congratulate the UAE’s National Advisor Bureau Limited for their ability to dream a truly visionary dream. While the feasibility study of the project has yet to be undertaken, the important thing is that such an ambitious project has been considered at all. It requires a certain fearless mindset to even conceive of such a project.
Many of the news stories, which appeared in the media about this proposal, concentrated on the ability for people to travel between UAE and Mumbai within two hours. I can understand why this was a cause for enthusiasm. After all, to travel at such speeds, at a lower cost and using less energy and fuel per journey per person is something to celebrate in itself. Of course we also certainly need to look at ways in which high-speed travel can be achieved sustainably or, in the very least, creating less harm to the environment.
Most of these reports, however, mentioned the transport of goods and commodities as a footnote. I believe this aspect will be the greater game-changer. My vision for the project places considerably more emphasis on the transport of goods. What excites me is not merely the speed with which goods could be exchanged between the two port cities and the extended network of cities and countries via them. I am even more enthused by how such a project could empower small and medium businesses. Global trade is largely still conducted with the use of shipping. This has been the case for centuries, even millennia. While the high-speed aspect of the proposed underwater train project will undoubtedly be a powerful stimulus to the economy, I believe there is an even greater benefit to the project. Shipping uses containers to transport goods. The project could potentially introduce a relatively new business model for entrepreneurs to exploit. Booking a container or even part of it by sharing with others, puts a limit on what and how much one needs to trade to be profitable. The high-speed underwater train will enable a pallet level trading of goods. The advantages this opens up cannot be underestimated.
In the emerging world of peer-to-peer economy, I can imagine a small organic farmer sending their produce to another port a pallet at a time. Or an artist or craftsman creating something in a small operation and being able to expand their customer base to an area they would not even have considered before this concept materialises.
In the current era, when a certain size of business operations is a prerequisite for trade and cross-national interaction, the train line will create a powerful synergy and relationship between Mumbai and UAE. Can you imagine the possibilities that will emerge when even small operators will be able to add to this trade flow? The project has significant potential to boost bilateral trade as well as serve as the gateway to greater export and import even from other GCC nations.
This underwater high-speed train project is much more than a way for tourists to travel between the two cities, or executives and shoppers to make a quick journey. It is opening the door to a future of tremendous possibilities.
