Tunnel Construction SOP Implementation

planned

The road transport ministry in India has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for tunnel construction to prevent mishaps and ensure better alignment. The SOP mandates evaluation of at least three alternative alignments considering shortest path, geological and geotechnical favorability, social impact, and cost optimization. It also requires avoiding critical constraints such as fault lines, eco-sensitive zones, heritage sites, steep slopes, and urban settlements. The SOP includes guidelines for portal location optimization and mandates development of a Geotechnical Investigation Interpretative Report (GIR) for tunnel projects. The ministry will conduct due diligence on all alignment proposals to ensure safe and timely construction.