The company has been involved in the construction of over 300 km of tunnelling works

How is the development of water, road and railway tunnel projects progressing in the country?

India's infrastructure landscape is changing at a fast pace, with water, road, and railway tunnel projects picking up steam to improve connectivity and resource management. Government initiatives such as Bharatmala, Jal Jeevan Mission, and railway modernization are propelling large-scale tunnelling projects, facilitating efficient transportation and water supply. Sophisticated tunnelling technologies such as tunnel boring machines and geotechnical advancements are speeding up project implementation while maintaining safety and sustainability. Patel Engineering is playing an integral part in this development, using its knowledge to negotiate challenging geological conditions and provide top-quality tunnel infrastructure.

Such tunnels are revolutionizing mobility by enhancing connectivity in mountainous and remote areas, reducing travel time, and maximizing fuel efficiency. Water tunnels, in turn, assume a vital responsibility in ensuring access to dependable water supply for consumption, irrigation, and hydropower. Patel Engineering, backed by a strong pipeline of ongoing and future projects, is dedicated to reinforcing India’s infrastructure backbone through innovation, efficiency, and cutting-edge solutions.

How are underground and mountain tunnel projects helping in creating better connectivity infrastructure?

Tunnels are lifelines that traverse vast distances, cutting through mountains and beneath the earth to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. They are more than simply engineering wonders. Utilising cutting-edge tunnelling technologies such as NATM and TBM machines, Patel Engineering builds superior, safer infrastructure with less of an adverse effect on the environment. This knowledge is demonstrated by the Sela Pass Tunnel, which provides year-round access to Tawang while enhancing national integration and opening up new avenues for regional development.

In addition to enhancing connectivity, tunnels are essential for strategic and economic growth. They provide climate resilience against landslides and harsh weather while facilitating trade, supporting defence logistics, and promoting tourism. By using eco-friendly geotechnical designs and effective drainage systems, Patel Engineering places a high priority on sustainable building, demonstrating its dedication to India's long-term infrastructure and economic development.

How is technology evolving in tunnelling? How are technologies such as TBMs making tunnelling productive and efficient?

The evolution of contemporary technology, particularly Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), has transformed the tunnelling sector. Such machinery is able to adjust in real time according to shifting geological conditions due to their computerised control systems and high-precision sensors. Their ability to be adjusted to the alteration of soil types, water pressure, and rock hardness ensures maximum excavation velocity with the conservation of tunnel stability. By reducing vibrations and the likelihood of structural harm, TBMs provide a more efficient and secure tunnelling process than conventional drilling and blasting methods. As well as enhancing the safety of workers, this automation saves time and money, making large-scale tunnelling operations more feasible and sustainable.

Beyond TBMs, tunnelling has greatly benefited from Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital twin technology, which streamline project execution. BIM allows improved coordination and visualization between construction and design teams. On the other hand, digital twin technology provides real-time monitoring of tunnelling equipment, using predictive analytics to prevent mechanical failures and optimize maintenance schedules. These technologies support long-term infrastructure resilience through the assurance that modern tunnels are not only built faster but also with greater precision, sustainability, and endurance.

What are the major challenges encountered in tunnelling? How are you minimising the challenges?

Tunnelling presents complex challenges, ranging from uncertain geological conditions to groundwater ingress and structural stability issues. Rock composition changes, fault zones, and water-containing strata may cause delays and cost overruns, while groundwater seepage heightens flood risk and compromises tunnel integrity. Stability at excavation is a must, with ongoing monitoring and reinforcement to prevent collapse and deformation. These challenges need to be overcome with precision engineering and advanced technology to ensure seamless implementation.

To prevent such risks, we conduct comprehensive geotechnical surveys and detailed geological studies before starting any project. This helps in identifying potential issues early on, allowing us to choose the right tunnelling method and design parameters. We also employ advanced monitoring systems during construction to detect any shifts or changes in the geological structure and respond promptly. We also utilize TBMs with real-time monitoring, enabling us to correct the conditions of excavation in real time. Water-capping dewatering systems, grouting, and waterproof linings help to manage groundwater effectively, providing a stable working environment.

With over 75 years of experience in the industry, our company has developed a deep understanding of the complexities involved in tunnelling projects. This experience allows us to approach challenges with a higher level of expertise, enabling us to implement effective solutions and anticipate potential obstacles before they arise, thus ensuring the success of our projects. By proactively addressing these challenges with a combination of technology, expert planning, and a focus on safety and sustainability, we continue to minimize risks and ensure the successful completion of our tunnelling projects.

Which are the key tunnelling projects done by the company? What are the technologies used for the tunnelling projects?

Patel Engineering has effectively completed critical tunnelling projects, establishing its reputation for working in difficult terrains. The company has been involved in the construction of over 300 km of tunnelling works.

The Sela Tunnel project located at Arunachal Pradesh, with two primary tunnels (1,003.34 m and 1,594.38 m) and an escape tunnel of 1,584.38 m, is the world's longest bi-lane road tunnel at an altitude of over 13,000 feet. Planned for all-weather access to Tawang, it serves as a crucial link for civilian and military transportation. In spite of severe temperatures of -15°C, a committed workforce of engineers and labourers worked to complete it on schedule despite the challenges of high-altitude construction. NATM was used for the construction of the tunnel, a world-reputed technique with special suitability in Himalayan geology.

The company has also played a pivotal role in shaping the critical infrastructure of Jammu & Kashmir, including the construction of key sections of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. Among the notable achievements are Tunnel T-2, completed over a year ago, and Tunnel T-15 and part of Tunnel T-14, which were substantially finished just a few months ago. These tunnels serve as vital connectors, enhancing regional connectivity and significantly reducing travel

time. Located near Katra, the impressive Tunnel T-2 and Tunnel T-15, along with part of Tunnel T-14, stand as true marvels of engineering. With lengths of approximately 5.2 km and 13 km respectively, these tunnels have been constructed using advanced technologies such as the NATM and pipe roofing systems. Through these innovations, Patel Engineering has effectively overcome the region's challenging topography, ensuring continuous, year-round connectivity. This has facilitated seamless transportation of goods and services, providing a significant boost to local trade, the economy, and tourism in the region.

Which are your key tunnelling projects in the pipeline? How do you look at the opportunities?

Patel Engineering is currently engaged in several tunnelling projects that are critical to enhancing India’s infrastructure and supporting sustainable water management. Our key projects in the pipeline reflect both the scale and strategic importance of infrastructure development across the country. We are currently working on the Amar Mahal to Trombay (AMT-II) Water Tunnel Project in Mumbai. This project, with a length of approximately 5.2 km, is nearing completion. It will significantly improve water supply and distribution systems in Mumbai, addressing the city’s growing demand for reliable water sources. We are also involved in the construction of Powai to Ghatkopar Water Tunnel in Mumbai. This project involves construction activities on a crucial 3-km water tunnel, which will strengthen water delivery and ensure consistent supply in the Powai-Ghatkopar region, an area with expanding urbanization. Around a year or so back, the company was also awarded another tunnel project having a length of around 6.7 km in the Raigad District in Maharashtra. This project will enhance water supply infrastructure, benefiting communities and supporting the state's sustainable growth. In addition to water-focused projects, Patel Engineering is executing a 3-km tunnelling project for Tunnel T-7, which includes an underground station cavern in West Bengal and Sikkim. This infrastructure will play a crucial role in the development of the region’s transportation network.

We see a significant opportunity in the growing demand for advanced tunnelling solutions, particularly in water management and urban transportation. As India's urban population increases and climate change impacts water availability, these projects are critical to ensuring sustainable water supply systems. Furthermore, the ongoing expansion of metro networks and the development of new transportation corridors in urban areas present promising avenues for growth. Patel Engineering is strategically positioned to leverage these opportunities, focusing on innovation, precision engineering, and quality to ensure the successful execution of these projects.

What is your outlook on the growth of tunnelling in the coming years?

India's tunnelling industry is expected to develop significantly due to extensive road, rail, and power infrastructure projects. At Patel Engineering, we believe that now is an opportunity for utilising innovative technology and sophisticated geotechnical designs to drive innovation in challenging tunnelling projects. Strategic tunnelling solutions may improve connectivity, cut down on travel time, and provide all-weather accessibility in challenging terrain, as demonstrated by projects like the Sela Pass Tunnel and USBRL projects. Tunnelling will be significant in forming the nation's infrastructure as a result of growing government investments and a growing need for effective transportation networks.

In order to ensure quicker, safer, and more economical execution, tunnelling’s future depends on implementing cutting-edge construction techniques like the NATM and TBMs. Another major area of attention is sustainability, which emphasizes resource optimization and reducing environmental impact. As pioneers in the sector, we are dedicated to establishing new standards in tunnelling while maintaining efficiency, quality, and safety while assisting in the modernization of India's infrastructure.