Opening of the London Underground
The London Underground, the world's first underground railway, opened its first line, the Metropolitan Railway, in 1863. This marked the beginning of underground urban transit systems.
1863
1896
Budapest Metro Line 1
The Budapest Metro Line 1, the second oldest underground railway in the world and the first on the European mainland, began operation in 1896.
1904
New York City Subway Opens
The New York City Subway, one of the largest and busiest underground transit systems in the world, opened its first line in 1904, revolutionizing urban transportation in the United States.
1944
Underground Utility Tunnels in Chicago
Chicago developed an extensive network of underground utility tunnels in 1944, providing a model for modern urban infrastructure planning.
1963
Invention of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs)
The invention of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) in 1963 significantly advanced the development of underground tunnels, making excavation faster, safer, and more efficient.
1974
Completion of the Montreal Metro
The Montreal Metro, known for its extensive use of underground art and architecture, was completed in 1974, enhancing the cultural aspect of underground development.
1987
Opening of the Moscow Metro's Komsomolskaya Station
The Moscow Metro's Komsomolskaya Station, renowned for its opulent design and deep underground construction, opened in 1987, exemplifying the integration of aesthetics and functionality in underground development.
1990
Launch of the Hong Kong MTR
The Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR) launched in 1990, becoming a benchmark for efficiency and technological advancement in underground rail systems.
1998
Opening of the Channel Tunnel
The Channel Tunnel, connecting the United Kingdom and France, opened in 1998. It is one of the longest underwater tunnels in the world and a major achievement in underground engineering.
2000
Inauguration of the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Extension
The Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line extension was inaugurated in 2000, expanding one of the most advanced and busiest underground rail networks in the world.
2004
Opening of the Beijing Subway Line 13
Beijing Subway Line 13 opened in 2004, contributing to the rapid expansion of one of the largest underground transit systems globally.
2010
Development of the Crossrail Project in London
The Crossrail project, one of Europe's largest underground infrastructure projects, began development in 2010, aiming to improve connectivity across London.
2013
Launch of the Riyadh Metro Project
The Riyadh Metro project was launched in 2013, marking a significant step in the development of underground transit in the Middle East.
2016
Opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel
The Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest and deepest railway tunnel, opened in 2016 in Switzerland, setting new standards in underground construction.
2020
Completion of the Doha Metro
The Doha Metro was completed in 2020, featuring state-of-the-art underground rail technology and significantly enhancing the public transport network in Qatar.
2024
Expected Completion of the Grand Paris Express
The Grand Paris Express, an extensive new network of automated metro lines in Paris, is expected to be completed in 2024, representing a major advancement in underground urban transit.
