Tunnels have long been a testament to human engineering, bridging divides created by nature.
The Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland and Japan's Seikan Tunnel are marvels of engineering. The first cuts through the while the Seikan Tunnel connects two islands beneath the sea.
Now a new feed in engineering has been achieved in China, as they unveil a beast of a highway tunnel, according to Digi24.
Through the Tianshan Mountains
This week, China set a new global milestone with the completion of the world’s longest highway tunnel in its northwestern Xinjiang region.
Stretching 22.13 kilometers, this engineering marvel will officially begin operations next year.
It drastically reduces travel time across the central Tianshan Mountains from several hours to just 20 minutes.
The Tianshan Mountains, often called a “geological museum,” stretch for 2.500 kilometers and present numerous natural challenges, including fault zones.
The tunnel crosses 16 of these zones, making its construction an extraordinary feat. One of its standout features is a ventilation duct that descends 706 meters, deeper than the height of Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building.
Constructed by a workforce of over 3,000, the tunnel overcame extreme geological obstacles to achieve its status as a milestone in global engineering, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
It is part of a broader plan to modernize the highway linking Urumqi, the regional capital, to Yuli district in southern Xinjiang.
While the tunnel's primary purpose is to improve regional connectivity, it also aims to serve as a key tourism corridor and boost the economic competitiveness of local products.
Chinese officials emphasize that it reflects the country’s commitment to enhancing public welfare through infrastructure.
However, the project is not without its controversies. Xinjiang has faced intense international scrutiny over allegations of human rights abuses against the Uyghur population and other minorities.
Despite these concerns, China has focused on showcasing its development initiatives, including this tunnel, as examples of progress.
