MoRTH flags poor DPR behind delays in long tunnel projects, calls for prior consultation

According to the ministry, the tunnels on national highways should be constructed in accordance with the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines stipulated in IRC:SP:91-2019 (Guidelines for Road Tunnels), which provides for the construction of tunnels to avoid passage through snowbound areas, eco-sensitive areas, pass below water bodies or congested areas, etc. On September 2, it also issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on improving tunnel alignment studies and approval.

“It has been observed that alignments of tunnels are being finalised and DPRs are being submitted for review to tunnel zone of the Ministry without conducting the requisite investigations and indicating relevant details as prescribed in the checklist. As a result, expeditious review of the DPR is being hindered. This in turn result in delay in appraisal and approval of the project. It is not out of place to mention that successful implementation of tunnel projects depends upon proper geo-technical investigation to reduce geological risk and uncertainties during implementation,” said the Ministry.

Detailed investigation and proper planning is important for tunnel projects since they involve high cost and are associated with high risk due to uncertainties in the region. The Ministry has directed all executing agencies to include IRC guideline for preparation of tunnel DPRs.

The MoRTH has been pushing for multiple tunnel projects, specially in the border areas involving strategic projects, to enhance the connectivity in the far-flung areas of the country. Notable projects include the Z-Morh tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir, which is part of the larger Zojila tunnel project, and the planned Jalori tunnel on NH-305 in Himachal Pradesh.