Governments worldwide have poured billions—and in some cases trillions—into ambitious megaprojects spanning infrastructure, defense, and beyond. While some of these projects are completed, others remain under development, showcasing the lengths nations are willing to go to address their strategic and developmental goals.
Here are some of the most expensive government-funded initiatives:
- Ireland: The construction of the new children’s hospital costs an estimated US$2.4 billion, aiming to improve healthcare infrastructure for the nation.
- Portugal: The Lisbon–Porto high-speed rail line is projected to cost US$6 billion, enhancing transportation between the two major cities.
- Denmark: The Fehmarn Belt fixed link, connecting Denmark and Germany, carries an estimated price tag of US$10.9 billion.
- Malaysia: The city of Putrajaya, designed as a new federal administrative capital, cost US$14 billion to develop.
- Singapore: Tuas Port expansion, projected at US$14.8 billion, positions Singapore as a major global shipping hub.
- Philippines: The New Manila International Airport, estimated at US$15 billion, promises to increase connectivity in Southeast Asia.
- Switzerland: The Gotthard Base Tunnel, a marvel of engineering that facilitates rail transport through the Alps, cost US$15.4 billion.
- New Zealand: Reconstruction following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake reached US$24.7 billion, illustrating the scale of disaster recovery efforts.
- Italy: The Turin–Lyon high-speed railway aims to reduce travel time and boost cross-border connectivity at an estimated cost of US$27 billion.
- Spain: The Madrid Nuevo Norte urban renewal project is expected to reshape the city’s skyline with a budget of US$27.4 billion.
- Norway: The E-39 Coastal Highway Route could cost up to US$47 billion, promising to improve transportation in the rugged Nordic terrain.
- Australia: The Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop carries an estimated cost of US$81 billion, revolutionizing urban transit in the region.
- India: The Bharatmala Pariyojana initiative, with an estimated cost of US$130 billion, focuses on expanding and modernizing the country’s road network.
- China: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) dwarfs all other projects with a staggering estimated cost of up to US$8 trillion, connecting continents through a network of infrastructure projects.
- United States: The development of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, aimed at advancing defense capabilities, is the most expensive government-funded project at US$1.7 trillion.
These projects highlight the diverse priorities of nations, from enhancing transportation networks to building resilience in defense and disaster recovery. While they represent significant investments, they also underscore the challenges and impacts such megaprojects have on global economies and infrastructure.