by JumboCactaur
No, you can't. These abilities replace the shipping concept, and you can't upgrade your distance with these abilities by default, nor by paying twice.The Fakirs can double their range by getting their Stronghold, which does affect connection range for end-game scoring. The dwarves cannot extend their tunneling range by any means.
The +1 shipping value bonus card also has no effect on these abilities.
Essentially you trade the ability to go long distances on the river by being able to skip over any terrain.