FICCI Tunnels & Bridges Conference 2025 Showcases India’s Engineering Excellence and Technological Advancements

The 3rd Edition of the FICCI Tunnels & Bridges Conference 2025 – Expanding Horizons in Engineering Excellence – brought together leading policymakers, industry experts, and infrastructure professionals to deliberate on the latest innovations, sustainability goals, safety frameworks, and emerging technologies shaping India’s tunnel and bridge infrastructure landscape.

Delivering the welcome address, S. Paramasivan, Co-Chair (Roads & Highways), FICCI Committee on Transport Infrastructure, and Managing Director, Afcons Infrastructure Ltd, highlighted that India has achieved “remarkable progress in engineering excellence” with landmark projects such as the Atal Tunnel, Chenab Bridge, and Atal Setu, setting new global benchmarks. He emphasized the importance of accelerating technology adoption—including IoT, drones, and data analytics—while prioritizing safety, high-quality DPRs, responsible bidding, and capacity-building at the state level for effective infrastructure execution.

Col. Parikshit Mehra, Secretary – Tunnels & Safety, Government of Telangana, underscored that India’s tunnelling projects must deliver higher returns on investment for the nation. “Tunnels must be designed for durability, safety, sustainability, and functionality, while reflecting a quintessentially Indian aesthetic and ensuring cost optimisation,” he said.

Mritunjay Pratap Singh, Director – Operations, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL), cited the Pamban Bridge as a model of long-term durability and sustainability. He noted its advanced corrosion-resistant coating technology and accelerated life-cycle testing that ensures a 35+ year lifespan. He also stressed the importance of early-stage Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), wildlife studies, and minimal disruption strategies as crucial for timely project clearances and responsible development.

The opening session also witnessed the launch of the FICCI–CRISIL Knowledge Report titled “Engineering Connectivity: Innovations in Tunnel & Bridge Development,” which highlights key trends, challenges, and policy pathways to advance India’s engineering and infrastructure capabilities.

The first panel discussion, “Shaping Tomorrow’s Infrastructure – Policy, Investment, and Strategic Outlook for Tunnels & Bridges,” explored development priorities under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), regulatory reforms for faster project execution, innovations in construction materials, and readiness of the supply chain. Experts discussed diverse financing models—PPP, HAM, EPC, and blended structures—to enhance project viability and private sector participation. The session also focused on long-term sustainability goals, climate adaptation, and the importance of global benchmarks and international quality standards in India’s infrastructure development.

The Technical Session, themed “Engineering Excellence – Technologies, Tools & Methods Shaping Tunnels and Bridges,” featured presentations on digital integration platforms such as BIM, GIS, BRIM, and Digital Twins for coordinated design and lifecycle asset management. Speakers showcased advancements in smart monitoring, AI- and drone-based maintenance, geotechnical and seismic solutions, and corrosion-resistant materials like UHPC and high-performance steel. Real-world case studies demonstrated how these innovations are improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability across tunnel and bridge projects.

The concluding session, “Smart, Safe & Sustainable Corridors: Next-Gen Tunnels and Bridges,” examined strategies for execution excellence using TBM, NATM, and modern bridge typologies. Discussions revolved around smart safety systems (including fire, waterproofing, ventilation, and seismic protection), modular and precast technologies, and adaptive design solutions for diverse terrains—from urban and coastal to seismic and high-altitude environments. Experts also highlighted the growing importance of lifecycle asset management, retrofitting, and MEP integration to ensure long-term operational performance and safety.

The FICCI Tunnels & Bridges Conference 2025 reaffirmed India’s position as a global hub of engineering innovation and sustainable infrastructure development, paving the way for smarter, safer, and more resilient transportation corridors in the years ahead.