"MoRTH Unveils ₹1 Lakh Crore Plan for 74 New Tunnels"

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is set to embark on an ambitious plan to construct 74 new tunnels, covering a total length of 273 kilometers, with an estimated investment of ₹1 lakh crore. This initiative aims to significantly bolster India's highway infrastructure, according to Roads Minister Nitin Gadkari.

During the second edition of the Tunnelling India conference organized by Ficci on Tuesday, Gadkari highlighted that the project will include regular performance audits of all under-construction projects to ensure quality and efficiency.

Gadkari proposed that foreign partners hold a 51% majority stake in joint ventures for tunnel construction and detailed project reports. This approach, he argued, would attract technically qualified and serious bidders, enhancing the overall quality of the work.

He also stressed the importance of technological advancement and cost-effective solutions to address the challenges posed by India's varied terrain, emphasizing the need for adopting global best practices in infrastructure development.

The minister noted that the government has already completed 35 tunnels, totaling 49 kilometers, with an investment of ₹15,000 crore.

ET