Ranvir Singh emphasises the need for a comprehensive mechanism to guarantee proper implementation of safety norms at mining sites while referencing the prerequisites of mining safety operations.

Demand for mining and tunnelling in India
India is moving quickly to catch up to developed nations worldwide in constructing roads and railways. Because of safety, environmental friendliness, durability, and construction economics, tunnelling is becoming more and more popular, especially in northern and northeastern regions and urban areas. India will soon hold the top spot in underground infrastructure, and that day and time are not far off.

Innovative tools required to expedite mining and tunnelling projects
The most recent NATM technologies are necessary to quicken the pace of work. Even though TBM hasn’t had much success in the Himalayan region, exploring potential solutions is still the goal.

Procurement challenges for underground construction
Heavy machinery is needed for underground construction, and currently, the majority of the machinery is made outside of India. Establishing manufacturing facilities/units in India is necessary to speed up the work’s progress. India has enormous potential in this area, and the government also has a vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat, which will further address the procurement challenges by increasing the domestic production of equipment and machines in India.

Investments to improve the accessibility of underground and opencast mining
The project’s cost is directly proportional to the accuracy and precision of feasibility and accessibility. There is still a need for more precession modernised equipment/technology to improve the construction industry’s work. Working in Himalayan geology are difficult due to the unpredictable rock behaviour and heavy ingress of water-forming cavities. Precession predictability equipment is required on-site to overcome these challenges. To accelerate the geological investigations that precede projects, we need mobile bore machines or modern technology and models that provide more precise results faster. Shotcrete Machines, Automatic Boomers, Grouting Pumps, Drum Cutters, and other critical equipment will be manufactured in India.

Matching global standards for Indian mining operations
India and the rest of the world are comparable in this regard. The Kouri Bridge is being built in India and is nothing short of an engineering marvel. And, it will be the highest railway bridge in the world, crossing the river Chenab in Reasi. To complete the work smoothly, efficiently, and by the deadline, advanced probing and tunnel seismic prediction machinery is needed.

Adding robustness, safety, and fuel efficiency on-site for mining and tunnelling activities
A specific mechanism for ensuring proper implementation of safety norms is in place at the site. Proper training of machine operators and regular counselling will undoubtedly aid in cost reduction and the smooth execution of work. Proper tunnelling activity planning on-site will be followed by close coordination of all stakeholders involved in the work.