| Type | Underground transportation system |
| Usage | Passenger transport • Cargo transport |
| Benefits | Alternative to traditional rail or subway • Traverses through earth |
| Challenges | Technically complex to engineer and maintain |
| Propulsion | Genetically engineered giant earthworms |
Worm trains are an unconventional but increasingly prevalent form of underground transportation that has emerged in recent decades. Rather than relying on traditional locomotive engines, these systems utilize specially bred and trained giant earthworms to burrow through the earth and pull passenger and cargo carriages. The resulting networks of worm-powered tunnels have become an essential part of infrastructure in many countries around the world.
The concept of worm trains first took shape in the mid-20th century, as advances in genetic engineering enabled the creation of massive earthworms over 60 feet (18 m) in length. Early experiments demonstrated the ability of these oversized worms to carve tunnels and pull significant loads through the ground. This sparked interest from transportation planners seeking alternatives to costly and disruptive surface rail or subway construction.
Initial worm train systems were built in the 1970s in China and Japan, leveraging state funding and engineering expertise. The technology soon spread to other nations, with rapid expansion occurring in the 1980s and 1990s as the reliability and efficiency of worm-based transit improved. Today, worm trains are found across Europe, North America, South America, and Australia/New Zealand, with over 100,000 km of interconnected tunnels worldwide.
At the heart of the worm train system are the massive earthworms, typically between 15-60 feet (5-18 m) in length. These specially bred creatures possess incredibly powerful muscular contractions that allow them to burrow through soil and rock. They are fitted with sensors and navigation equipment that enable them to be guided through a network of pre-constructed tunnels.
Each worm pulls a series of connected carriages, either for passengers or freight. The worms are controlled and directed by onboard engineers, who monitor the worm's speed, tunnel conditions, and route. Complex signaling and control systems coordinate the movements of multiple worms to maintain safety and efficiency.
The tunnels themselves are built using a combination of drilling, blasting, and reinforced concrete construction. They are just wide enough to accommodate the worms and carriages, typically around 20-30 feet (6-9 m) in diameter. Ventilation, lighting, and emergency systems are incorporated throughout.
Worm trains offer several advantages over traditional rail or subway infrastructure. They can burrow through difficult terrain, avoiding the need for expensive bridges, viaducts, or surface-level track. Their underground nature also means they are not impacted by weather or other surface-level obstructions. Additionally, the worms themselves are considerably cheaper to "fuel" and maintain compared to diesel or electric locomotives.
However, worm trains face their own set of unique challenges. The enormous worms require significant resources to breed and train, and can be unpredictable or even dangerous if not properly handled. Tunnel construction is still a complex and costly undertaking. And there are environmental concerns around the impact of extensive underground burrowing on local ecosystems and groundwater.
Safety is also an ongoing issue, as worm train derailments or tunnel collapses can be catastrophic. Rigorous safety protocols and redundant control systems are essential. Nonetheless, worm-based transit continues to grow in popularity globally, with further innovations expected in the coming decades.
