Light at the End of the Tunnel: India’s Infrastructure Boom

India is rapidly advancing its tunnelling infrastructure, with nearly 240 kilometres of tunnels currently under construction or in the planning stage across some of the country’s most challenging terrains.

The expansion of tunnelling projects across road, rail, and urban transport networks is aimed at strengthening connectivity, improving strategic mobility, and enhancing freight movement. Tunnelling has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of India’s infrastructure sector, driven by border road development, railway network expansion, and the growth of metro systems. A landmark example is the Atal Tunnel—the world’s longest highway tunnel located above 10,000 feet—which has reduced travel time between Manali and Sarchu by four to five hours. “These tunnels ensure all-weather connectivity and significantly enhance both civilian and defence movement,” a government spokesperson said.

Another major initiative, the 12-kilometre Sonamarg Tunnel, is expected to mitigate winter-time road closures in Jammu and Kashmir. Progress is also being made in railway tunnelling, including the 12.77-kilometre Tunnel T50, alongside urban and high-speed projects such as the underwater Metro tunnel in Kolkata and the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train corridor. The upcoming Zojila Tunnel, which will be India’s longest, is set to further strengthen regional connectivity and economic integration.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.