Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday (December 4) announced that around 75 National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) tunnel projects, involving an investment of Rs 49,000 crore, are currently under construction across the country.
Speaking at the ‘World Tunnel Day 2024 Conference on Safe & Sustainable Tunneling,’ the Minister for Road Transport and Highways highlighted the immense potential within India’s tunnel sector.
“Our Prime Minister has a dream to make India the world’s third-largest economy. For this target, we need to have an international standard of infrastructure in the country. Our government has given the highest priority for the development of good infrastructure in the country,” Gadkari said.
He went on to elaborate that NHAI has already completed 35 tunnel projects totaling 49 km at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore. Additionally, 75 tunnel projects, spanning 146 km, are currently underway with a combined investment of Rs 49,000 crore.
78 projects covering 285 km to begin soon
Furthermore, 78 upcoming tunnel projects, covering 285 km and valued at Rs 1.10 lakh crore, are set to begin soon.
Gadkari also shared a recent meeting with Assam’s Chief Minister regarding a major tunnel project under the Brahmaputra River.
“Two days before, I had a meeting with Assam CM. Under the Brahmaputra river, we are planning to make a huge tunnel. So, for all contractors and consultants related to this industry, I feel that there is huge potential,” he said.
“Today tunnel is a very important factor not only for road network is concerned but for hydro projects, metro, railway everywhere,” he added.
(With inputs from PTI)