Are Tunnel Projects Worth Rs 3 Lakh Crore Coming to India in the Next 10 Years?

Pune, June 24, (NationPress) Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced on Tuesday that the government plans to initiate tunnel projects valued between Rs 2.5 and Rs 3 lakh crore over the upcoming decade, as part of a significant push for the nation’s infrastructure growth.

During the opening of the International Workshop on ‘Sustainable Tunnelling for Better Life’ at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), the minister stated, "India is embarking on a golden era of infrastructure, with tunnels being vital for enhancing connectivity, ensuring safety, and promoting sustainability."

He emphasized the importance of reducing construction costs without sacrificing quality. “This involves adopting advanced technologies and sustainable energy sources like CNG, ethanol, hydrogen, and electric alternatives to diesel. We should also refurbish outdated tunnelling machinery, import used equipment from European nations such as Austria, Norway, and Spain, and eventually produce our own,” he elaborated.

Recognizing the diverse geological conditions across India, he pointed out the necessity for research and training. It is essential for industry experts and seasoned engineers to mentor students along with academic staff.

“My ministry is poised to provide support in terms of equipment and training. By fostering innovation, research, and dedication, we can achieve self-reliance in tunnelling technology and infrastructure development,” Gadkari expressed.

He commended MIT-WPU for taking the initiative in sustainable tunnelling research, which is particularly crucial for a developing country like India.

In an effort to enhance sustainable infrastructure, Gadkari inaugurated the International Workshop on ‘Sustainable Tunnelling for Better Life’ at MIT-WPU. This two-day event was organized in collaboration with the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association’s Committee on Education and Training (ITA-CET).

This workshop convened global experts from India, Europe, the UK, and the US.

A significant highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Centre of Excellence for Tunnelling and Underground Construction at MIT-WPU, the first facility of its kind in India, which includes a Tunnel Monitoring Laboratory and a Drilling and Blasting Laboratory. Established in partnership with Sandvik and Tata Projects Ltd, this Centre aims to facilitate advanced research and training in underground construction technologies.

The workshop included technical sessions, keynote speeches, and panel discussions led by renowned experts like Arnold Dix (Past President, International Tunnelling Association) and other distinguished professionals.

Dix remarked, “This Centre of Excellence is globally significant, as it addresses the gap between engineering knowledge and practical skills. Frequently, young workers face risks due to insufficient training necessary for safely constructing what has been meticulously designed.”