In recent days, an idea that sounds as ambitious as it is complex has resurfaced: building a tunnel under the Panama Canal to improve the connection between both sides of the country. But beyond the impact of the headline, the key question is: Is this a real project or just a proposal under study?

The short answer is that it exists as an idea, but it is neither approved nor under construction.

Where did the idea for the tunnel under the Canal come from?

The project emerged within the framework of discussions about how to improve connectivity in areas separated by the Canal, especially in urban and industrial areas where travel can be slow and limited.

Currently, crossings are mainly made via:

This creates bottlenecks and longer travel times, which explains why new alternatives are periodically analyzed.

What do the authorities and official bodies say?

So far, there is no confirmation of any work underway. The Panama Canal Authority has not announced the construction of a tunnel as an active project. What does exist are preliminary studies and assessments within broader infrastructure plans.

For its part, the Ministry of Public Works of Panama has considered options to improve connectivity on several occasions, including bridges, corridors, and possible underground solutions.

But, for now, there is no tender, date, or approved budget for a tunnel under the Canal.

Why a tunnel under the Canal is so complex

Constructing a project of this type is not comparable to a conventional urban tunnel. The Panama Canal is one of the most important maritime routes in the world, with constant transit of large ships. This implies extremely high engineering complexity, costs in the millions (or even billions), and operational risks that must be minimized as much as possible.

Furthermore, any intervention must guarantee that it does not affect the operation of the Canal, which is key to global trade.

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What similar projects exist (and how comparable are they)?

There are underwater tunnels in the world, such as the Channel Tunnel between the UK and France and urban tunnels in cities like New York or Istanbul. But the case of the Panama Canal is different due to the type of maritime traffic, the geographical conditions, and the strategic importance of the waterway.

This makes its feasibility much more demanding.

How likely is it to be built? For now, the probability of the project moving forward in the short term is low. Current priorities in Panama remain focused on road infrastructure, logistics expansion, and Canal maintenance.

A tunnel under the Canal could be evaluated in the future, but it would require political approval, international financing, and advanced technical studies. Will it happen?