In a move aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure in the Saudi capital, The Boring Company, owned by American billionaire Elon Musk, is submitting an official request to the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to implement an ambitious project to build an underground network in Riyadh.
This move comes after Tesla, also owned by Musk, announced the launch of its electric cars in the Saudi market in early April 2024, reflecting an integrated strategy to strengthen Musk’s group’s presence in the Kingdom.
The Saudi Market: A Strategic Destination for Electric Vehicles and Smart Transportation
Saudi Arabia is one of the largest and most promising markets in the Middle East for electric vehicles and future transportation, as Vision 2030 seeks to transform the Kingdom into a global center for innovation and sustainability.
Underground transportation projects represent an innovative solution to alleviate traffic congestion in major cities like Riyadh, which are experiencing rapid population growth and urban expansion.
The Boring Company has implemented similar projects in several cities around the world, including the Las Vegas tunnel in the United States, which was specifically designed for electric vehicles.
The company also signed an agreement with the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai to establish a 17-kilometer tunnel network, enhancing the chances of a similar project in Riyadh.
What is the Hyperloop project and how can it serve Riyadh?
The underground tunnel project is part of a broader vision proposed by Elon Musk more than a decade ago under the name Hyperloop, a high-speed transportation system based on vacuum tunnels that reduce frictional resistance, allowing for travel speeds of more than 1,000 km/h.
Although the Hyperloop project is still under development, the Boring Company is currently focusing on underground transportation solutions using autonomous electric vehicles.
If the project is approved, the company will study Riyadh’s most congested main roads, such as King Fahd Road and King Khalid Road, and then begin digging branch tunnels to facilitate traffic and reduce travel time.
This model has been successful in Las Vegas, where it contributed to a significant reduction in congestion.
Saudi Arabia’s Move Towards Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence in Transportation
The Kingdom is striving to promote sustainable transportation projects, with the Saudi Renewable Energy Investment Company announcing plans to increase reliance on electric vehicles.
The NEOM project also includes plans for smart transportation based on modern technologies, making Saudi Arabia a suitable environment for The Boring Company’s projects.
According to previous statements by officials from Aramco and the Ministry of Transport, the Kingdom is interested in attracting global technology companies to develop its infrastructure, which increases the likelihood of the project being approved if it is formally submitted.
Conclusion: A Step Toward the Future of Transportation in Riyadh
If The Boring Company succeeds in implementing its project, it will represent a qualitative leap in the transportation sector in the capital, Riyadh, as it will contribute to:
Reducing traffic congestion.
Reducing carbon emissions through the adoption of electric vehicles.
Enhancing smart infrastructure in line with Vision 2030.
The company is expected to announce more details soon, especially after Tesla’s entry into the Saudi market, which could pave the way for larger future transportation projects in the Kingdom.
Elon Musk’s Boring Company plans to submit an application to build an underground road network in Riyadh, following the launch of Tesla’s electric cars in Saudi Arabia. The project aims to ease congestion through electric car tunnels, following a successful model in Las Vegas and Dubai, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for sustainable transportation.
