Nitin Sindhu VY l Pune
June 23, 2025 – Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced an ambitious plan to develop tunnel projects worth ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakh crore over the next 10 years, emphasizing sustainability and cost efficiency. The announcement was made during his inaugural address at the International Workshop on ‘Sustainable Tunnelling for Better Life’ held at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU).
Key Highlights from the Event
1. Center of Excellence for Tunnelling Inaugurated
MIT-WPU unveiled India’s first Center of Excellence for Tunnelling and Underground Construction, equipped with a Tunnel Monitoring Laboratory and Drilling & Blasting Laboratory. Established in collaboration with Sandvik and Tata Projects Ltd., the center aims to advance research and training in underground infrastructure technologies.
2. Gadkari’s Vision for Sustainable Infrastructure
- Cost Reduction & Innovation: Gadkari stressed the need to cut construction costs through sustainable fuels (CNG, ethanol, hydrogen) and repurposing used tunnelling machinery from Europe.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: He urged indigenous manufacturing of tunnelling equipment and praised MIT-WPU’s initiative as a critical step toward self-reliance.
- Geological Challenges: Highlighted the importance of region-specific research, given India’s diverse terrain, including the Himalayas.
3. Global Experts Weigh In
- Arnold Dix (Past President, International Tunnelling Association) lauded MIT-WPU’s focus on bridging the gap between engineering education and practical skills, calling the center "vital for global tunnelling safety."
- Dr. Vishwanath Karad (Founder, MIT-WPU) linked infrastructure development with inner peace, advocating a holistic approach to progress.
- Dr. Rahul Karad (Executive President, MIT-WPU) emphasized academia-industry collaboration, citing Tata and Sandvik’s ₹2 crore equipment support.
4. Technical Sessions & Future Roadmap
Experts from India, Europe, the UK, and the US discussed:
- Advanced tunnelling methods for challenging terrains.
- Digital tools like BIM and laser scanning.
- Strategies to minimize environmental impact.
Why It Matters
With India’s infrastructure expansion gaining momentum, sustainable tunnelling is pivotal for:
- Connectivity: Enhancing road and rail networks in mountainous regions.
- Climate Resilience: Reducing carbon footprint through green technologies.
- Economic Growth: Creating jobs and fostering indigenous expertise.
Conclusion
The workshop underscored the synergy between government, industry, and academia to build future-ready infrastructure. As Gadkari noted, “Innovation and research will drive India’s tunnelling revolution.”
