L&T’s ‘Shiv’ TBM achieves world record by boring 790 metres in 31 days, completing India’s longest transportation tunnel.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has set a new global benchmark in tunnel construction by achieving a record-breaking 790 metres of excavation in just 31 days using a single-shield hard rock tunnel boring machine (TBM) named ‘Shiv’. The feat was accomplished on 29 June during work on the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Link, a day ahead of the baseline schedule.
The 13.09-km downline tunnel, running parallel to a 14.57-km upline tunnel completed earlier in April, forms part of India’s longest transportation tunnel system. Together, these twin tunnels span 30 km, including escape tunnels, cross-passages, and niches.
According to project officials, 70% of the tunneling was executed using TBMs, while the rest was completed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). The first TBM, ‘Shakti’, completed 10.47 km of the upline, and ‘Shiv’ completed 10.29 km of the downline.
Despite facing geological challenges and tough conditions, the project team ensured steady monthly progress. L&T aims to operationalise the 125-km rail corridor by December 2026, strengthening Uttarakhand’s connectivity.
Source: Business Standard
