India Requires Cost-Effective Technology for Infrastructure Initiatives: Nitin Gadkari
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New Delhi, Dec 17 (NationPress) The development of infrastructure is a pivotal focus for the government, and we need to ensure that technology is both economically viable and secure, stated Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Tuesday.
During his speech at an Assocham event in the capital, the minister emphasized that advancements in water, power, transport, and communication are vital for our nation, as building such infrastructure can also generate vast employment opportunities.
“Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, enhancing road infrastructure and tunnels holds significant potential for auto investment and progress in this sector. When it comes to bridges and tunnels, these are essential tasks, and our goal is to lower costs without sacrificing quality,” Gadkari remarked.
He noted that numerous tunnels exist not just within the road and highway sector but also throughout the railway system.
“The challenge of importing machinery from China is considerable. We require various types of equipment. Lowering costs is a global necessity,” the minister added.
One of India's prominent tunnel projects is the Zojila Tunnel, spanning 14.2 km with a budget of Rs 6,500 crore, and currently, 55 percent of the total physical work has been accomplished.
“This is among Asia’s most significant and longest tunnels, situated at an altitude of roughly 9,800 feet beneath Zojila Pass,” Gadkari explained.
In an effort to enhance the highway network nationwide, the government plans to construct 74 new tunnels at an estimated cost of Rs 1 lakh crore in the coming years.
The government has already completed 35 tunnels covering 49 km for Rs 15,000 crore, and now aims to develop additional tunnels totaling 273 km.
In March of this year, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the strategically vital Sela Tunnel, built at a cost of Rs 825 crore in Arunachal Pradesh. It is recognized as the world’s longest bi-lane tunnel, located at 13,000 feet. In July, PM Modi initiated the construction of the twin-tube 4.1-km-long Shinkun la Tunnel on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha road to ensure continuous connectivity to the northern borders with China.
Additionally, the Atal Tunnel was officially opened by PM Modi on October 3, 2020, after a decade of dedicated efforts by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), with a total expenditure exceeding Rs 3,200 crore.
