Decision-making in tunnel construction is heavily reliant on input data encompassing geology, underlying utilities, traffic, and urban space constraints.
Tunnel construction plays a pivotal role in India’s infrastructure development, with over 1,700 tunnels stretching more than 3,600 km at various stages of realization. As this demand continues to grow, it becomes increasingly vital to adopt modern and efficient tunnelling and trenching equipment. Here are a few pain points, gaps in availability, and emerging technologies that could revolutionize tunnel construction in India.
Tunnel Construction Pain Points:
Decision-making in tunnel construction is heavily reliant on input data encompassing geology, underlying utilities, traffic, and urban space constraints. However, the variability of these inputs at different project stages often leads to undesirable outcomes, forcing conservative decisions on equipment choices. While modern equipment with cutting-edge technology is available, the entire ecosystem for its operation, including trained operators, spare parts, maintenance, and logistics, comes at a premium, making tunnel construction capital-intensive. Delays in obtaining permits and clearances for projects can result in sub-optimal productivity and impact the Return on Investment (ROI) significantly, given India’s sometimes challenging regulatory landscape for infrastructure projects.
Equipment Availability:
A significant part of the problem lies in India’s dependency on imports to meet the demand for tunnelling equipment. Though there has been a shift from Europe to East Asia for imports, the development of in-house competency for manufacturing some critical equipment remains in its infancy.
Furthermore, logistical limitations restrict the deployment of heavy equipment, such as TBMs for tunnelling in mountainous and congested urban areas, due to limited access and narrow roads. Consequently, many projects resort to conventional methods, which may not always meet modern efficiency standards.
Emerging Technologies and Solutions:
To address these issues, several solutions and emerging technologies are gaining traction:
- Improved Input Quality: Encouraging better quality input data through thorough due diligence of ground conditions, utility mapping, and transparency can reduce variability in project outcomes. Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial to achieve this.
- Addressing Geological Complexities: In regions with geological complexities, especially challenging terrains like the Himalayas, specialised equipment and expertise are needed. Continued investment in research and development can lead to innovations in this area.
- Streamlined Approvals: Simplifying and expediting the approval processes involving multiple departments and stakeholders can significantly reduce project delays. This calls for efficient coordination and regulatory reforms.
- Local Support and Upskilling: Promoting local support for equipment and upskilling of manpower can bridge gaps in equipment availability. Relaxed regulations for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to set up facilities in India is a positive step in this direction.
Conclusion:
Tunnel construction in India stands on the brink of transformation, with emerging technologies offering promising solutions to the industry’s pain points and equipment availability constraints. By enhancing input quality, streamlining approvals, and investing in local support and workforce development, India can unlock its full potential in tunnel construction and infrastructure development. This journey necessitates collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment to overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.
Raman Kapil,
BU Head, Metro, Tunnels & Environment,
Tata Projects Limited
Simplify. Create.
