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Big infra boost! 74 tunnels to be built at a cost of Rs 1 lakh crore to strengthen India’s highway network

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced plans t... Read More
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced an ambitious plan to construct 74 new tunnels across India, covering a total distance of 273 kilometers. Road Minister Nitin Gadkari revealed that this mega project, aimed at bolstering the country's highway network, is estimated to cost around Rs 1,00,000 crore and will be executed over the next few years.

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Gadkari also provided an update on the progress of tunnel construction in the country. He said that the government has already completed 35 tunnels spanning 49 kilometers at a cost of Rs 15,000 crore. Additionally, 69 more tunnels covering a distance of 134 kilometers are currently under construction, with an estimated cost of around Rs 40,000 crore.

The minister emphasized the importance of regular performance audits for all ongoing construction projects to ensure timely completion and adherence to quality standards.

Gadkari emphasized the crucial importance of performance audits in ensuring project efficiency, stating that "performance audit is more important than financial audit".

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During his address at the second edition of the Tunnelling India conference organized by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) on Tuesday, Gadkari stressed the need for technology upgradation and cost-effective solutions to overcome the unique challenges posed by India's diverse terrain.
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"We need to find out exactly which is the best technology that is cost-effective without compromising on quality," he said, highlighting the importance of adopting global best practices in infrastructure development.

Gadkari stressed the importance of developing strategies tailored to specific terrains, especially in the challenging Himalayan regions. He called for innovative solutions, such as "precast technology and push-back techniques," to tackle persistent problems like landslides.

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He advocated for a comprehensive assessment of projects from the initial detailed project report (DPR) stage through to implementation. Gadkari contended, "This approach would help achieve perfection in execution, optimal use of technology, and quality assurance while minimising capital investment."

The minister reiterated his concern about the substandard quality of DPRs in India, asserting that DPR consultants are not following the necessary procedures when constructing highways, roads, and tunnels throughout the nation.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Exclusive Sneak Peek: Indian Railways Unveils New Train Better Than Rajdhani!

Vande Bharat sleeper train unveiled! Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has unveiled the new Indian Railways Vande Bharat sleeper train that will be launched in the coming months. The new Vande Bharat sleeper train, manufactured by BEML, has been built on the Vande Bharat platform. It is said to be superior to Rajdhani Express trains in terms of passenger amenities, speed and safety. What does the Vande Bharat sleeper look like? What does the Vande Bharat sleeper train interior look like? We offer you an exclusive sneak peek of the Vande Bharat sleeper train:

Vande Bharat sleeper train will have a maximum operational speed of 160 kmph and a testing speed of 180 kmph. Since the Vande Bharat sleeper variant is also a self-propelled train set, its faster acceleration and deceleration will improve the average speed of the train compared to the Rajdhani Express.

Vande Bharat sleeper coaches: The 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper train prototype will have 11 AC 3 tier coaches (611 berths), 4 AC 2 tier coaches (188 berths) and 1 AC First Class Coach (24 berths).

Vande Bharat sleeper train, according to the Indian Railways and BEMl, boasts of world-class features. Vande Bharat Sleeper train set marks a significant leap forward in India’s rail capabilities, offering a passenger experience on par with European standards, officials say.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Features: According to Indian Railways, the new train has best-in-class interiors with GFRP panels, automatic exterior passenger doors, sensor based inter communication doors, modern passenger amenities and spacious luggage room.

Vande Bharat Sleeper features: The train has several passenger friendly features such as integrated reading light with USB charging provision, special berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers, modular pantries, public announcement and visual information systems, inside display panels and security cameras and showers with hot water in AC 1st class coach.

Vande Bharat sleeper trains will offer superior berth comfort to passengers compared to the Rajdhani Express trains. The berths will have extra cushioning and the ladder used to climb to upper berths has also been redesigned for better comfort.

Vande Bharat Sleeper train: Indian Railways has said that the new Vande Bharat sleeper train will have ergonomically designed odour free toilet systems. The train will boast of vacuum toilets with modular fittings.​

Vande Bharat sleeper train is said to be equipped with advanced crashworthy elements. These include specially designed crash buffers and couplers, with an aim to maximise passenger safety. Additionally, all materials and components used in Vande Bharat sleeper adhere to the highest fire safety standards.

Vande Bharat Sleeper train will offer jerk-free rides to passengers and the fully sealed gangways will ensure a dust-free environment with better air-conditioning. The train will be extensively tested in the coming months before being launched for passengers.



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