Summary - Tunnel Construction

Tunnel construction activity in the northern region continues to accelerate, driven by strategic priorities such as strengthening all-weather border connectivity, expanding hydropower capacity and upgrading water infrastructure. The region currently accounts for the largest share of ongoing tunnelling activity.

The sector has steadily transitioned from conventional excavation methods to more mechanised tunnelling techniques. Tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are being widely used for metro rail projects; the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) has emerged as the preferred approach for road and railway tunnels; while drill-and-blast methods (DBM) continue to dominate hydropower projects.

Digitalisation is increasingly being integrated into tunnelling operations. Continuous digital monitoring is now a standard practice, while the adoption of building information modelling (BIM), advanced analytics, drones and internet of things (IoT) is gaining traction. Additionally, sustainability is gaining prominence, with greater emphasis on the use of alternative construction materials and energy-efficient construction practices.

Going forward, developments in key infrastructure sectors are expected to drive significant tunnelling activity across roads, railways, metros, water, sewage, irrigation and hydropower. In total, tunnels spanning a length of 3,000 km are at various stages of implementation, offering opportunities for all stakeholders, including contractors, developers, technology providers, equipment and material providers, etc.

The mission of this conference is to discuss the recent trends, developments and challenges in tunnel construction in northern India, identify the areas of growth and highlight emerging opportunities. The conference will also showcase new technologies, noteworthy projects and best practices across the sector.