India

Government To Invest Rs 1 Lakh Crore In Building 74 New Tunnels To Enhance Highway Network

The Indian government has unveiled a major initiative to expand the country’s highway network by planning the construction of 74 new tunnels, with a projected investment of Rs 1 lakh crore over the coming years. This ambitious project aims to significantly enhance connectivity and infrastructure across the nation.

Currently, the government has completed 35 tunnels spanning a total of 49 kilometers at a cost of Rs 15,000 crore. The new plan will add 273 kilometers of tunnels, further expanding the national highway network.

Also Read: West Bengal Minister Chandranath Sinha Questioned By ED Amidst Ongoing Recruitment Probe

In addition to these new projects, 69 tunnels covering 134 kilometers are already under construction, with an investment of Rs 40,000 crore. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, shared these details at the FICCI Tunnelling India conference in New Delhi.

Minister Gadkari emphasized the government’s broader economic goals, noting that India is working towards becoming a $5 trillion economy. He highlighted the critical importance of road safety and the need for cost-effective, permanent solutions to address challenges such as rainfall, landslides, and floods.

The minister also discussed plans to involve foreign partners by offering a 51 percent stake in joint ventures for tunnel construction and detailed project reports. This move aims to enhance work quality and incorporate advanced technologies. “We need to identify the most cost-effective technology that maintains high quality,” Gadkari stated.

He stressed the importance of performance audits over financial audits to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of projects.

Transport Infrastructure

Bhavani Koneru from FICCI’s Committee on Transport Infrastructure highlighted the necessity of developing indigenous tunneling technologies tailored to India’s unique geological and cost conditions.

Recent milestones in India’s tunneling infrastructure include the inauguration of the Sela Tunnel by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March. At a cost of Rs 825 crore, the Sela Tunnel is the world’s longest bi-lane tunnel at 13,000 feet.

In July, PM Modi also launched the construction of the twin-tube, 4.1-kilometer-long Shinkun La Tunnel on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha road, aimed at providing continuous connectivity to northern borders with China.

Additionally, the Atal Tunnel, inaugurated by PM Modi on October 3, 2020, was completed after a decade of work by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), with an investment exceeding Rs 3,200 crore.

Richa Kaushik

Recent Posts

Hina Khan Hails 11 Years Of PM Modi’s Leadership; Highlights National Progress

As the nation marks 11 years under PM Modi's leadership, actress Hina Khan shares her…

5 hours ago

Subhash Ghai Hails PM Modi’s Transformative Vision For India

Subhash Ghai has praised PM Narendra Modi’s leadership for catalysing India’s growth and changing the…

6 hours ago

India & Central Asia Boost Rare Earth Cooperation At Delhi Meet

India and five Central Asian nations have agreed to deepen cooperation on rare earths and…

6 hours ago

PM Modi’s Beej Se Bazaar Tak Vision Reshapes Indian Agriculture

Prime Minister Modi has redefined Indian agriculture with the ‘Beej Se Bazaar Tak’ vision, transforming…

7 hours ago

EV Sales Cross 4% Mark In May; Signalling Steady Shift To Green Mobility

EV sales topped 4% of passenger vehicle retail in May 2025, signalling growing demand for…

7 hours ago

Self-Reliant Defence Industry Marks India’s Strategic Security Ascent

One year into Modi 3.0, reforms have reduced poverty, strengthened defence, and accelerated the digital…

7 hours ago