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

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.

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.