The symposium was opened by Miinister of State for Power, Krishan Pal Gurjar, who emphasized the crucial role of tunneling in sustainable infrastructures, especially in power projects.
The symposium aims to address the pressing need for adopting cost-effective and modern tunneling technologies to minimize capital expenditure while prioritizing safety.
CMD SJVNL Nand Lal Sharma highlighted this focus in his welcome speech, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing among industry leaders and experts.
Addressing the gathering, Gurjar stressed the pivotal role of tunneling and underground space development in power projects. Drawing attention to recent incidents, including the tunnel collapse in Silkiara, Uttarakhand, where 41 workers were trapped for 17 days, the Minister underscored the need to expedite power projects by adopting efficient and modern tunnel construction methods.
He assured that the Government of India is actively formulating outcome-driven policies to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly tunnel construction projects.
The symposium was attended by CMDs, Directors, and senior officials of Hydro CPSEs, Ministry of Power, Central Electricity Authority, and stakeholders from India and abroad.
Participants gained insights into cutting-edge technologies, best practices, and case studies that will contribute to the future of tunneling and underground construction.
In the wake of incidents like the Silkiara tunnel collapse, the symposium becomes even more pertinent, offering a forum to discuss challenges, identify constraints, and explore solutions to ensure the safety of tunnel construction projects.
