Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced an ambitious plan to develop tunnel infrastructure worth between Rs 2.5 and Rs 3 lakh crore across India in the next ten years. The initiative, aimed at enhancing transportation efficiency and sustainability, includes major projects already underway in Delhi and Bangalore.

The government is looking to reduce reliance on imported equipment, especially from China, by refurbishing old tunnelling machines and importing used equipment from European countries. There is also a strong push toward green technology, with a gradual shift from diesel to cleaner alternatives such as compressed natural gas, ethanol, hydrogen, and electricity.

In a bid to support research and skill development, a Center of Excellence for Tunnelling and Underground Construction has been launched at MIT World Peace University in Pune. This center will house specialized laboratories and offer training to build a skilled workforce.

Arnold Dix, former president of the International Tunnelling Association, underscored the need for practical training to prevent accidents and ensure safety among young workers entering the tunnelling field.