Union Minister Gadkari stresses Technology Upgrade, Cost Effectiveness and Quality focus for the tunnelling sector.

NEW DEHI. 03 September 2024: Addressing the second edition of FICCI’s Tunnelling India conference, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari underlined technology upgradation and cost-effective solutions to tackle the unique challenges of India’s diverse terrain while maintaining high-quality standards.

Shri Gadkari announced that the government has already completed 35 tunnels spanning 49 kilometres at the cost of Rs 15,000 crore rupees. Currently, 69 tunnels covering 134 kilometres are under construction, with an estimated investment of Rs 40,000 crore rupees. Looking ahead, plans are in place for an additional 74 tunnels stretching 273 kilometres, projected to cost Rs 100,000 crore rupees.

“We need to find out exactly which is the best technology that is cost-effective without compromising on quality,” Shri Gadkari stated, emphasising the importance of adopting global best practices in infrastructure development.

The minister highlighted the need for terrain-specific approaches, particularly in the challenging Himalayan regions. He called for innovative solutions, such as precast technology and push-back techniques, to address recurring issues like landslides.

Minister Gadkari also emphasised the critical role of performance audits in ensuring project efficiency. “Performance audit is more important than financial audit,” he stated, underlining the need for a holistic evaluation of projects from the initial Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage to implementation. This approach, he argued, would help achieve perfection in execution, optimal use of technology, and quality assurance while minimising capital investment.

The minister also discussed innovative cost-saving measures, including potentially reusing materials excavated during tunnel construction. “Can the material that comes out from there be reused in road construction? Can some cost be saved from it?” Shri Gadkari questioned, encouraging the exploration of sustainable practices that could significantly reduce overall project expenses while promoting environmental responsibility.

Ms Bhavani Koneru,  Member, FICCI Committee on Transport Infrastructure,  Executive Vice President & Head – Urban Transit SBG,  Larsen & Toubro, emphasised the need for India to develop indigenous tunnelling technologies tailored to its unique geological conditions and cost requirements. Besides, she highlighted the importance of resource management, proposing innovative solutions for repurposing excavated materials from tunnelling projects. Ms Koneru also stressed on localising the supply chain, suggesting that India should develop domestic capabilities for producing components like rubber gaskets, which are currently imported.

Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, Director General, Border Roads Organization also spoke on occasion. He underlined that opportunities for tunnels in India are “limitless”, emphasising the need for knowledge sharing and site visits.

On occasion, FICCI- CRISIL Knowledge Report on ‘Advancing Tunneling in India: Challenges, priorities and potential solutions’, was released by the Union Minister.