India to build 74 new tunnels for highways

To improve the national highway network, India intends to construct 74 additional tunnels totalling 273 km at a cost of ₹1 lakh crore.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways plans to construct 74 new tunnels spanning 273 km at a cost of ₹1 lakh crore in the coming years as part of an initiative to enhance India’s highway network, according to Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

Gadkari emphasises the importance of conducting regular performance audits for all ongoing projects to ensure quality standards are met.

Speaking at the second Tunnelling India conference organised by Ficci, Gadkari expresses support for allowing foreign partners a 51 percent stake in joint ventures for tunnel construction and detailed project reports. This approach aims to attract serious and technically qualified bidders, thereby improving the quality of work.

He highlights the need for technological upgrades and cost-effective solutions to address the challenges posed by India’s diverse terrain while maintaining high-quality standards. Gadkari urged the adoption of global best practices, emphasising the importance of finding the most cost-effective technologies that do not compromise quality.

The minister noted that the government has already completed 35 tunnels covering 49 km at a cost of ₹15,000 crore.

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