What does India need to take its tunnelling to the next level?
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

What does India need to take its tunnelling to the next level?

One thing is clear. The past decade or so has seen a drastic change in the machinery used for tunnelling construction in India. “Whereas conventional blasting methods used to prevail, which made for very slow progress, now the most prevalent method in the Himalayan region is the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM),which helps adjust to site conditions and has significantly sped up the implementation of projects,” observes Ranvir Singh, Manager (Projects)and Contracts Management Expert (Tunnelling), PEMS Engineering Consultants. “Cost comparisons of the two prominent tunnel construction methods nowadays and geological conditions, particularly in the Himalayan region, favour the NATM overtunnel boring machines (TBMs).”

“TBMs in general haven’tbeen successful in Himalayan geology owing to heterogeneous rock strata,” agrees Col Deepak Patil, General Manager (Project), Silkyara Tunnel, National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation. “For tunnelling in the Himalayan region, India mostly uses machinesthat can perform activities associated with the NATM, such asboomers/jumbos, shotcreting, various kinds of grouting, strengtheningthe ground, rather than TBMs.”

In cities where metro projects are being implemented, TBMs are being extensively used. Going forward, to take tunnelling to the next level, we must think of tunnelling methods beyond TBMs, NATM and conventional methods, based on rock mechanics and properties, advises Dr B C Mandal, Executive Director (Technical), BPC Consultant India.

Improving techniques

To ensure that proper methods and machinery are engaged, we need geological engineers to lead tunnelling projects instead of the civil engineers who are currently at the forefront of tunnelling projects, says Dr Mandal.

To read the full version, CLICK HERE.

One thing is clear. The past decade or so has seen a drastic change in the machinery used for tunnelling construction in India. “Whereas conventional blasting methods used to prevail, which made for very slow progress, now the most prevalent method in the Himalayan region is the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM),which helps adjust to site conditions and has significantly sped up the implementation of projects,” observes Ranvir Singh, Manager (Projects)and Contracts Management Expert (Tunnelling), PEMS Engineering Consultants. “Cost comparisons of the two prominent tunnel construction methods nowadays and geological conditions, particularly in the Himalayan region, favour the NATM overtunnel boring machines (TBMs).” “TBMs in general haven’tbeen successful in Himalayan geology owing to heterogeneous rock strata,” agrees Col Deepak Patil, General Manager (Project), Silkyara Tunnel, National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation. “For tunnelling in the Himalayan region, India mostly uses machinesthat can perform activities associated with the NATM, such asboomers/jumbos, shotcreting, various kinds of grouting, strengtheningthe ground, rather than TBMs.” In cities where metro projects are being implemented, TBMs are being extensively used. Going forward, to take tunnelling to the next level, we must think of tunnelling methods beyond TBMs, NATM and conventional methods, based on rock mechanics and properties, advises Dr B C Mandal, Executive Director (Technical), BPC Consultant India. Improving techniques To ensure that proper methods and machinery are engaged, we need geological engineers to lead tunnelling projects instead of the civil engineers who are currently at the forefront of tunnelling projects, says Dr Mandal. To read the full version, CLICK HERE.

Next Story
Real Estate

Varun Malik Joins ANAROCK as MD, Head of Capital Markets, APAC

ANAROCK Capital has appointed Varun Malik as Managing Director, Head of Capital Markets (APAC), marking a strategic move to expand its presence across Asia-Pacific. Based in Singapore, Malik will drive ANAROCK’s capital markets initiatives in the region.A real estate finance veteran, Malik brings over 18 years of experience in structuring complex cross-border transactions across South-East Asia and Australia. He has led debt and equity deals for REITs, fund managers, and developers, delivering strong returns and driving investor value.“We will redefine real estate capital solutions across ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Patra Chawl lottery held, 663 families allotted homes

Mumbai's Siddharth Nagar (Patra Chawl) Co-operative Housing Society members in Goregaon (West) saw their 15-year wait come to a close as MHADA conducted a successful computerised lottery for 663 eligible members under its redevelopment scheme.The Mumbai Housing and Area Development Board conducted the draw using the RAT (Randomised Allotment of Tenement) system at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Hall. The lottery, overseen by Mr. Milind Borikar, Chief Officer of Mumbai Board, ensured transparency by digitally allotting each member a building, wing, and floor.The project, located on Plot R-9, received..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

BLR Airport crosses 41 million passengers, 500,000 MT cargo

Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport), has recorded key operational milestones in FY 2024-25, crossing 41.88 million passengers and handling 502,480 metric tonnes of cargo. This marks a year-on-year passenger growth of 11.6 per cent and a 14 per cent rise in cargo volumes.Domestic footfall reached 36.05 million, up 10 per cent, while international traffic saw a robust 25 per cent jump to 5.83 million, aided by Indigo’s global expansion and added frequencies by international carriers. BLR Airport now connects to 76 domestic and 33 international destinations, with Hanoi set..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?