Need to adopt modern concepts of tunneling in India to reduce capital cost

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Nitin Gadkari said that there is a need to adopt modern concepts of tunneling in India so that the big capital cost involved can be reduced. The Minister said that by developing smart cities, roadway amenities and other facilities near tunnels, revenue generation can be increased.

Addressing an International Webinar on Road Tunnel Recent Trends, Innovations & Way Forward through video conferencing, Gadkari highlighted the need to look at ways to create ‘tunnels and immersed tunnels under the rivers and sea using pre-cast technology.

Gadkari urged the stakeholders to come out with cost-effective and modern technologies for tunneling to reduce capital expenditure without compromising on safety aspects. The Minister said that National Highways in India have 1.37 lakh kilometers of length which carries over 40% of the total traffic across the length and breadth of the country. The Minister emphasized on adoption of good practices from across the globe.

Speaking at the webinar, Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, General (Retd.) Dr. V. K. Singh said that the Ministry is ensuring making more and more tunnels to reach out to the places that are inaccessible and get cut off due to inclement weather and during winters.

The webinar was hosted by Indian Roads Congress, Ministry for Road Transport & Highways and World Road Organization on May 7, 2021.