L&T: Potential of Tunnelling for India's Economic Growth

FICCI Transport Infrastructure Committee Member

Bhavani Koneru, FICCI Transport Infrastructure Committee Member & Executive Vice President and Head – Urban Transit SBG, Larsen & Toubro, highlights the immense potential of tunnelling for enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activity, and calls for increased investment in technology and skilled manpower to capitalize on this opportunity.

Tunnel construction in India is rapidly transforming the nation’s infrastructure and enhancing connectivity, which is crucial for boosting economic growth. The beauty of tunnelling lies in its ability to connect distant points without the constraints of surface space, which remains largely untapped in India. This presents significant opportunities given the abundant underground space available.

India boasts a rich heritage of tunnel construction, with many ancient tunnels built for transit, water, sewage, and escape routes. However, in recent years, the West has led the development of modern tunnels. India is now focusing on road infrastructure by building tunnels due to the scarcity of available surface space. This renewed focus, supported by government investment, is reviving the tunnelling sector and attracting significant investment.

Urban Transit SBG, Larsen & Toubro


Historical sites like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro showcase the advanced tunnelling techniques used by ancient Indian engineers, demonstrating their skill and technological prowess. Today, these engineering marvels promote tourism and improve quality of life, especially in challenging terrains.

As we see remarkable expansion in transportation infrastructure, including roads and railways, the demand for tunnelling has surged due to the lack of surface space. The sector has gained momentum, with the government providing increased support through initiatives like Gati Shakti. This initiative focuses on integrated infrastructure development and streamlining project execution, aiming to create a seamless logistics network and boost efficiency, further accelerating the growth of tunnel construction.

India’s extensive tunnel network spans nearly 2,000 km, with another 2,000 km under construction, and more planned. The Karnataka government recently approved an 18-km road tunnel connecting two points within Bangalore, highlighting ongoing opportunities. Given this growth, I pose a question to industry leaders: are we prepared to seize these opportunities and meet the required pace of development? Are we equipped with the necessary technology, or will we continue to rely on Western countries? Can we develop our own technology tailored to Indian geological conditions and cost requirements?

Some progress has been made, such as the establishment of state-of-the-art tunnelling academies in Delhi and Chennai. However, there are only three such academies worldwide, indicating that while we are poised to tackle challenges and seize opportunities, more work remains. We need to evaluate whether our current steps are sufficient or if additional measures are necessary.

We must also consider how to handle the muck produced from tunnelling. This material, which is often high-quality soil but considered waste, could be repurposed. Can we find ways to reuse or recycle this material effectively?

We should also explore developing local solutions for importing items like rubber gaskets and establishing technology centers. Furthermore, while OPC is commonly used in infrastructure projects, we should consider switching to PPC and other granular materials.

Addressing technology alone is not enough. We must also tackle risks related to land acquisition, geological uncertainties, and the need for skilled manpower to ensure timely project completion. We should question the necessity of importing fire boats and explore the development of concrete with adequate fire ratings.

Going forward, innovation will be key to success, creating more opportunities, and attracting further investments.

NBM&CW - November 2024

No comments yet, Be the first one to comment on this.

×

Terms & Condition

By checking this, you agree with the following:
  1. To accept full responsibility for the comment that you submit.
  2. To use this function only for lawful purposes.
  3. Not to post defamatory, abusive, offensive, racist, sexist, threatening, vulgar, obscene, hateful or otherwise inappropriate comments, or to post comments which will constitute a criminal offense or give rise to civil liability.
  4. Not to post or make available any material which is protected by copyright, trade mark or other proprietary right without the express permission of the owner of the copyright, trade mark or any other proprietary right.
  5. To evaluate for yourself the accuracy of any opinion, advice or other content.
CRCHI Mining Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Exported to Africa

CRCHI Mining Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Exported to Africa

On December 18th, 2024, the FAT ceremony of mining TBM exported to Africa was held in Changsha, China. This equipment, manufactured by China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Corporation Limited (CRCHI), will be applied in the tunnel

Read more ...

Construction of Tunnel T-49A on Dharam-Qazigund Section of USBRL

Construction of Tunnel T-49A on Dharam-Qazigund Section of USBRL

Dr. Rakesh Kumar Khali, Vice President Operations-Tunnel & UG Works, G R Infraprojects, and Sharanappa Yalal, Cluster Head, J&K, Hindustan Construction Company, highlight the planning process, execution challenges, innovations

Read more ...

Robbins India to Establish TBM Manufacturing Facility in Vadodara

Robbins India to Establish TBM Manufacturing Facility in Vadodara

Encouraged by the growing business opportunities in tunnel construction for transportation infrastructure in India, Robbins India is establishing an integrated, in-house manufacturing setup in the country. This was announced

Read more ...

CRCHI Large Diameter Open-type Rock TBM Rolls off Assembly Line for South-to-North Water Diversion Project

CRCHI Large Diameter Open-type Rock TBM Rolls off Assembly Line for South-to-North Water Diversion Project

On November 22, 2024, the open-type rock TBM with an excavation diameter of 11.93 meters (the largest of its kind in China), rolled off the assembly line of China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Corporation Limited (CRCHI).

Read more ...

Record Rewritten! Chinese-made Largest Diameter (16.64 -m) Shield Machine ‘Jianghai’ Rolls off at CRCHI

Record Rewritten! Chinese-made Largest Diameter (16.64 -m) Shield Machine ‘Jianghai’ Rolls off at CRCHI

On October 31, 2024, a super-large diameter shield machine with a maximum excavation diameter of 16.64 meters rolled off the production line in Changsha, Hunan. It will be used in the construction of the world's longest underwater highway

Read more ...

India's Tunnelling Landscape: Advancements, Challenges & Future Outlook

India's Tunnelling Landscape: Advancements, Challenges & Future Outlook

Tunnelling has played a crucial role in shaping India's infrastructure landscape. From the early hand-drilled techniques employed during railway construction in the 1800s to the state-of-the-art technology driving modern metro projects

Read more ...

Minister of Road Transport & Highways: India’s Ambitious Tunnelling Plans

Minister of Road Transport & Highways: India’s Ambitious Tunnelling Plans

Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, emphasizes the importance of robust infrastructure for economic growth and outlines the government's ambitious plans for investing in high-quality tunnels, bridges, and roads.

Read more ...

BRO: Overcoming Challenges of Tunnelling in the Himalayan Region

BRO: Overcoming Challenges of Tunnelling in the Himalayan Region

Lt Gen Srinivasan discusses the unique challenges of tunnelling in the fragile Himalayan terrain and showcases success stories like the Atal Tunnel and the Sela Tunnel, highlighting the government's role in promoting tunnelling advancements. Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, Director General, Border Roads Organization

Read more ...

Tracing the Evolution of Tunnelling in India

Tracing the Evolution of Tunnelling in India

Dinesh Chand Deshwal, Commissioner-Railway Safety (Northern Circle), Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt of India, delves into the history of tunnelling in India, tracing its evolution from early hand-drilled techniques to modern

Read more ...

Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology India: Robust & Reliable Tunnelling Jumbos

Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology India: Robust & Reliable Tunnelling Jumbos

We are very optimistic about the growth in the Tunnelling sector - be it tunnelling in Roads, Railways, Hydro, or Border Roads. We see a potential market of 40-50 machines year on year in the next 5-6 years, but the market is still price sensitive.

Read more ...

Megha Engineering: Challenges & Opportunities for Construction Contractors

Megha Engineering: Challenges & Opportunities for Construction Contractors

Harpal Singh, Joint Chief Operating Officer, Megha Engineering and Infrastructures, highlights the practical challenges faced by construction contractors, including political interference and unskilled labor, and emphasizes the need for

Read more ...

Sany: Excavators, Piling Rigs & Diaphragm Wall Grabs for Tunnelling

Sany: Excavators, Piling Rigs & Diaphragm Wall Grabs for Tunnelling

Sanjay Saxena, COO Sales, Marketing & Customer Support, SANY Heavy Industry India's, specialized products for tunnel construction includes advanced excavators, piling rigs, and diaphragm wall grabs for precise and efficient operation.

Read more ...

Role of Technology in Managing Geological Uncertainties in Tunnelling

Role of Technology in Managing Geological Uncertainties in Tunnelling

Colonel Parikshit Mehra, Tunnel Expert, emphasizes the critical role of technology in managing geological uncertainties and advocates integrating dynamic monitoring systems and data analysis to optimize tunnel support systems and ensure safety.

Read more ...

Manitou: Compact, Heavy-Duty, & Rotating Telehandlers for Tunnelling

Manitou: Compact, Heavy-Duty, & Rotating Telehandlers for Tunnelling

Manitou offers compact, heavy-duty, & rotating telehandlers with special custom attachments and increased lifting capacities for efficient tunnelling. Kulwinder Kumar, National Key Accounts Manager, Manitou

Read more ...

Lombardi Engineering India: Enhancing Collaboration & Project Management

Lombardi Engineering India: Enhancing Collaboration & Project Management

Rakesh Ravinder Pandita, Chief Executive officer, Lombardi Engineering India, stresses the importance of collaboration among stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle and introduces the concept of a Common Data Environment (CDE) and Building

Read more ...

Normet India: Shotcrete Machines, Concrete Pump & Accelerator Dosing System

Normet India: Shotcrete Machines, Concrete Pump & Accelerator Dosing System

Normet is the only manufacturer in the tunnelling industry that offers both the equipment and chemicals essential for tunnelling projects. Our extensive range of shotcrete machines is designed to efficiently spray concrete for various

Read more ...

Afcons Infrastructure: Lessons Learned From USBRL Project

Afcons Infrastructure: Lessons Learned From USBRL Project

KVVR Sarma, Vice President, Afcons Infrastructure, shares valuable insights from his experience in the USBRL Project and emphasizes the need for detailed geological investigations, real-time data analysis, and effective collaboration among stakeholders.

Read more ...

DMRC's Expertise in Tunnelling Projects

DMRC's Expertise in Tunnelling Projects

Rajiv Dhanker, Director - Project & Planning, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, highlights DMRC's extensive experience in tunnelling projects and their role in sharing knowledge and expertise with other agencies. He also discusses the challenges faced

Read more ...

To get latest updates on whatsapp, Save +91 93545 87773 and send us a 'Saved' message
Click Here to Subscribe to Our eNewsletter.