1. welcome_note.pdf

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Fourth Annual Conference on

Tunnel Construction in India:

Trends and Outlook, Issues and ChallengesWelcome Note

May 14-15, 2013


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Background

Tunnel development and construction in India have accelerated in the pastfew years. Over 1,500 km of tunnel length is currently under construction,

almost equal to the achievement in the last 50 years.Several landmark projects are currently under way. India's longest roadtunnel, the 9 km Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, is under construction. Also, the8.8 km Rohtang Tunnel is the worlds longest road tunnel being built at analtitude of 10,000 feet. The 43.5 km Alimineti Madhava Reddy WaterTunnel, which is being built in Andhra Pradesh, will be the worlds longest

TBM-driven tunnel without intermediate access. India's first underwatertunnel covering a length of 520 metres is also being constructed as part ofthe Kolkata Metro project.

The scope and size of tunnel projects has increased over the years. TheIndian Railways biggest project, the Jammu-Udhampur-Baramulla railwayline involves the development of a total tunnel length of 124 km at an

investment of Rs 55 billion. The Pula Subbaiah Veligonda Water TunnelProject, which requires an investment of Rs 73.5 billion, has been awardedin Andhra Pradesh. India's biggest urban water tunnel project, which willrequire an investment of Rs 11.45 billion, is under way in Mumbai.Moreover, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the constructionof a 15 km underground tunnel under Phase III to a single company for thefirst time.


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Background

This pace of development is expected to increase in the next five years,ensuring that India remains one of the fastest growing tunnel markets in theworld. There is a pipeline of at least 130 tunnel projects covering over1,400 km for the next five years. These projects would entail a totalinvestment of over Rs 1,370 billion. The maximum number of projects willbe awarded as part of hydropower projects. In terms of value, metro railprojects offer the biggest revenue opportunities.

However, to ensure high quality and timely construction, several risks andchallenges need to be addressed. Geological surprises pose one of thebiggest risks. Improvements in risk identification and assessment arerequired for tunnelling projects. Also, the large-scale deployment ofmonitoring systems needs to be explored. Contractors also need to useinnovative technologies to enhance productivity and ensure timely project

delivery. Moreover, current contracting practices are old, with the allocationof risks being biased, and, therefore, need to be reviewed. There is also agreater room for the adoption of international standards in tunnel designand construction methods.


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Mission

The mission of this conference is to highlight the opportunities for the

development of tunnels in India and discuss the key challenges in each

segment. It will also showcase the latest technology, best practices and

noteworthy projects. The conference will seek to answer questions like:

- What is the current status of the tunnelling industry in India?

- What are the contracting practices followed in India?

- What are the various techniques used in conducting ground investigations?

- What are the global advances in tunnelling technology and equipment industry?- What are the best practices in the management of tunnel construction in India?

- What are the emerging global trends in the design of tunnels?

- Which designs are the most promising and relevant in the Indian scenario?

- What is the current status of tunnel works in the highways segment?

- What is the status of tunnel works in the metro rail segment?

- What are the key trends in tunnel operations (safety, maintenance, repair, etc.)?- What is the status of tunnel works in the railways segment?

- What is the current status of tunnel works in the water and sewerage segment?

- What is the status of tunnel works in the hydropower segment?

- Etc.


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Agenda / Structure

The two-day conference will have thirteen sessions: Key Trends andOutlook, Contracting Practices, Ground Investigation, Tunnelling inHimalayas, Focus on New Technology and Systems, ProjectManagement and Construction Challenges, Emerging Trends inDesign, Tunnels and Highways, Underground Metro Rail Projects,Focus on Tunnel Operations, Railways Tunnels, Water and

Sewerage Tunnels and Tunnels for Hydropower Plants.

Each session will be split into two parts. The first part will featurepresentations from speakers. The second part will be devoted to Q&Aand floor discussions.


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Participants

The conference has attracted a diverse group of officials and managers from:

- MRTS projects - Equipment providers

- Hydropower generators - Fire protection and safety system developers

- Civil contractors - Communication equipment suppliers

- Indian Railways - Road developers- Other service providers - Tunnel design and construction companies

- Consultants - Design service providers

- Technology providers - Water/Sewerage system developers

- Electrical and lighting system - Pollution control/ventilation equipment providers

providers - Urban local bodies and relevant government

- Etc. agencies


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The conference is being organised by In d i a n In f r as t r u c t u r e magazine,

which is published by India Infrastructure Publishing, a company

dedicated to providing information on the infrastructure sectors through

magazines, newsletters, reports and conferences. The group also publishes

P o w e r L i n e magazine, Power News (a weekly newsletter), and a series of

reports including Tunnelling in India, Hydro Power Generation, Urban

Rail Transport in India, Road Development in India, Water and

Wastewater in India, Water in India and Railways in India.

Organisers


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Our conferences are known for their focus on dissemination of

information, sharing of expertise and exchange of views. Schedules

are adhered to and there is adequate time for discussion and

networking. There are no lamp-lighting ceremonies.

Distinguishing Features


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The sponsors for the event are Terratec and Tvastar Engineering

Solutions. The event has been made possible by their support. We thank

these organisations.

Sponsor

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