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From ancient wonders to modern-day feats, human ingenuity has consistently pushed the limits of what is possible in construction and design. Across continents, engineers and architects have reimagined landscapes, built through natural obstacles, and created structures that not only serve a purpose but stand as symbols of innovation.
2 / 12These remarkable achievements showcase the perfect blend of engineering, science, technology, and vision, transforming the way people travel, live, interact and evolve. From soaring bridges and deep underground tunnels to entire cities rising from reclaimed land, these 10 engineering feats represent humanity’s determination to solve challenges and leave behind lasting legacies. The list has been handpicked by the CNBC-TV18 Travel Desk Read and is in no particular order. (Image: Shutterstock)
3 / 12No 1. Engineering Marvel: Channel Tunnel | Country: United Kingdom–France | The Channel Tunnel, often called the Eurotunnel, links Britain and France under the English Channel. Measuring over 50 kilometres, with nearly 38 kilometres beneath the sea, it is the world’s longest underwater tunnel. Its construction transformed cross-channel travel, allowing passengers and vehicles to move quickly between the two countries.
4 / 12No 2. Engineering Marvel: Burj Khalifa | Country: United Arab Emirates | Standing at 828 metres, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest skyscraper in the world. Its unique Y-shaped floor plan and reinforced concrete core provide stability against desert winds. The tower hosts homes, offices, and observation decks, symbolising Dubai’s rise as a modern global hub. (Image: Shutterstock)
5 / 12No 3. Engineering Marvel: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge | Country: China | The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge is the world’s longest sea crossing, stretching 55 kilometres across the Pearl River Delta. The structure combines bridges, artificial islands, and an undersea tunnel to connect the three cities. Opened in 2018, it is designed to withstand earthquakes and typhoons while cutting journey times dramatically. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 12No 4. Engineering Marvel: Palm Islands | Country: United Arab Emirates | The Palm Islands are man-made archipelagos shaped like palm trees, created through large-scale land reclamation. Millions of tonnes of sand and rock were used to construct these islands, extending Dubai’s shoreline. Today, they are home to luxury resorts, villas, and attractions that have made them a global icon of engineering. (Image: Reuters)
7 / 12No 5. Engineering Marvel: Chenab Rail Bridge | Country: India | Spanning the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, this is the world’s highest railway bridge at 359 metres above the riverbed. Built in difficult Himalayan terrain, it is designed to resist earthquakes and high winds. The bridge is expected to greatly improve rail connectivity in the region. (Image: PTI)
8 / 12No 6. Engineering Marvel: Millau Viaduct | Country: France | The Millau Viaduct rises elegantly above the Tarn Valley, reaching a height of 343 metres, making it the tallest bridge on earth. Built as a cable-stayed structure, it was designed to reduce congestion on the route between Paris and Spain. It has since become a celebrated landmark admired for both beauty and scale. (Image: Reuters)
9 / 12No 7. Engineering Marvel: Great Man-Made River | Country: Libya | Libya’s Great Man-Made River is the largest irrigation network ever constructed, transporting water from ancient aquifers beneath the Sahara Desert. The system includes thousands of kilometres of pipelines and huge pumping stations. It has provided vital drinking water and irrigation to arid parts of the country, changing the lives of millions.
10 / 12No 8. Engineering Marvel: Songdo International Business District | Country: South Korea | Songdo is a planned smart city built on reclaimed land near Incheon, designed with sustainability at its core. It integrates advanced technology, wide green spaces, and eco-friendly infrastructure to support urban living. Often described as a model city, it demonstrates how engineering and planning can shape the cities of the future. (Image: Reuters)
11 / 12No 9. Engineering Marvel: Gotthard Base Tunnel | Country: Switzerland | The Gotthard Base Tunnel runs for 57.1 kilometres beneath the Swiss Alps, making it the longest railway tunnel in the world. Completed in 2016, it cut travel times across Europe while improving freight efficiency. It represents one of the most ambitious and technically challenging tunnelling projects ever attempted. (Image: Reuters)
12 / 12No 10. Engineering Marvel: Three Gorges Dam | Country: China | The Three Gorges Dam spans the Yangtze River and is the largest hydroelectric power facility on earth. It generates huge amounts of renewable energy, improves river navigation, and helps control floods. At the same time, it has sparked debate due to the environmental changes and mass displacement it caused. (Xiao Yijiu/Xinhua via AP)
