India's Tunnel Infrastructure Expands: 75 Projects Worth Rs 49,000 Crore Underway, Major New Works Worth Rs 1.1 Lakh Crore To Begin Soon

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday (4 December) announced significant progress in India’s tunnel infrastructure, revealing that 75 National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) tunnel projects worth Rs 49,000 crore are currently under construction across the country.

Speaking at the ‘World Tunnel Day 2024 Conference on Safe & Sustainable Tunneling,’ Gadkari emphasised the transformative potential of the nation’s tunnel sector in building world-class infrastructure.

“Our Prime Minister has a dream to make India the world’s third-largest economy. For this target, we need to have an international standard of infrastructure in the country. Our government has given the highest priority for the development of good infrastructure in the country,” Gadkari said.

He detailed the progress of ongoing and completed projects, noting that NHAI has already finished 35 tunnel projects spanning 49 km at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore.

Currently, 75 projects totalling 146 km are underway, with an investment of Rs 49,000 crore.

Additionally, 78 more tunnel projects covering 285 km and worth Rs 1.10 lakh crore are set to commence soon.

Highlighting a landmark initiative, Gadkari mentioned plans for a major tunnel under the Brahmaputra River in Assam.

“Two days before, I had a meeting with Assam CM. Under the Brahmaputra river, we are planning to make a huge tunnel. So, for all contractors and consultants related to this industry, I feel that there is huge potential,” he said.

The Minister emphasized the importance of tunneling technology across multiple sectors, including hydroelectric projects, metro systems, and railways.

“Today tunnel is a very important factor not only for road network is concerned but for hydro projects, metro, railway everywhere,” he added.

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