- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: The government is set to invest Rs 1.08 lakh crore in 78 new tunnel projects across India, covering a total distance of 285 km, as part of its initiative to enhance infrastructure quality. Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, made this announcement during the ‘World Tunnel Day 2024 Conference on Safe & Sustainable Tunnelling’ on Wednesday.
Gadkari highlighted the significant potential of the tunneling sector in India, noting that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already completed 35 tunnel projects spanning 49 km, with an investment of Rs 20,000 crore. Additionally, he mentioned that approximately 75 tunnel projects, covering 146 km, are currently in progress at a cost of Rs 49,000 crore.
He reiterated the Prime Minister’s vision of making India the world’s third-largest economy, emphasizing the need for international-standard infrastructure to achieve this goal. The government prioritizes infrastructure development in the country.
Gadkari also shared that he met with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to discuss plans for constructing a tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River. He expressed optimism about the vast opportunities for contractors and consultants in the tunneling industry, which is essential for various sectors, including roads, hydro projects, metro systems, and railways.
The minister stressed the importance of adapting to India’s diverse terrain, which requires specialized expertise due to varying geology and water levels. He called for improved collaboration between construction companies and government departments to ensure high-quality work. Furthermore, he emphasized the need to involve IIT experts to research and implement the latest global tunneling technologies in India.
