I think it's an idea worth considering. The only concern is: public projects tend to go over budget ...

By Q | January 29, 2008 2:56 PM

The plans seems to be expensive there are many country which have underground metro/train system but still it doesn't solves the traffic problem. Until there is some protocol is made regarding traffic I think the new scheme will still end up in the same mess after sometime it starts growing bigger.

By S | January 29, 2008 7:10 PM

Infrastructure projects ARE expensive. The idea is one I think could definitely help the city immensely. Car parks for example and underground malls could finally bring the major retailers of the world to Amsterdam, a sore lack in the retail market above ground for high prices/real estate and little physical space. Huge supermarkets like Carrefour, GB or Geant could also finally make a much needed appearance in this land of the little and few products.

By elise krentzel | January 30, 2008 1:52 AM

Bas Obladen is not talking about public transport systems only. He is going one huge step further. He is talking about a network of tunnels under the canals for traffic, underground carparks, even the household waste disposal system!

By Q | January 30, 2008 8:32 AM

... they most certainly do. I think we can safely assume that if the powers that be estimate the cost of this project at EUR 10 billion the actual costs will be three or four times that amount. The project is also more than likely to take at least two or three times as long as first claimed, cause three or four times more disruption than believed and will more than likely result in the disappearance of large parts of the historic centre of Amsterdam. But I'd be willing to bet quite a large sum that certain parties likely to be involved in this project are already wringing their hands in glee.

By Chas Conway-Stewart | January 30, 2008 9:21 AM

It's a great concept but probably not practical in an city so close to the sea. It would be a gargantuan feat of engineering just to get those subterranean water out of the infrastructure in a permanent condition. Any major break in the system will be catasthopic and it would be very hard to maintain and prohibitively costly. But again, the Dutch are world renowed hydraulic experts I wish them well and lots of luck if this project goes through. On the social concerns side, there could be increased criminality in this subterranean city since the bad guys are usually attracted and at home in confined and bustling areas. Again, lots of luck to the city of Amsterdam, hope it works well and eventually serves as a model for future cities around the work.

By Carlos Borjal | February 1, 2008 4:10 PM

The first thought that came to mind when reading this article was a similar project that took place in Boston, US. The Big Dig, while it did improve the city of Boston was well over budget and took longer then projected. With limited vertical space for infrastructure, it is logical to go into the ground, but it wont be any easy project.

By Dr Q | February 6, 2008 11:29 PM

Rising sea levels. Subterranean Amsterdam. We've all gone mad. The end of the world?....But I just bought new shoes.

By Mr Kowalski | February 18, 2008 3:36 PM