Tunnel Boring Machines for India Delayed
ECONOMY & POLICY

Tunnel Boring Machines for India Delayed

A German firm has reported significant delays in the delivery of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for major infrastructure projects in India, primarily due to bottlenecks at Chinese customs. These machines, crucial for various metro and urban infrastructure projects across India, are held up in China, impacting timelines and planning for metro expansions in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The delays are attributed to recent administrative slowdowns and export procedures, creating a backlog at customs that has impeded the supply chain.

The TBM delay poses challenges to India’s metro projects, which rely on these machines to advance tunneling operations for new lines and extensions. Given India’s large-scale infrastructure goals, including expanding metro networks in urban areas to alleviate congestion and promote sustainable transport, the situation has raised concerns among project managers and government officials. German suppliers are now working closely with Indian stakeholders to explore alternatives, such as using locally manufactured machines or seeking support from other suppliers, to mitigate potential setbacks.

India’s infrastructure sector has previously faced similar challenges with supply chain dependencies, especially for machinery and raw materials sourced internationally. The delay highlights the need for diversified sourcing and the potential benefit of increasing domestic production capabilities for essential equipment. As authorities and the German firm navigate the situation, the goal remains to minimize disruptions and maintain momentum in urban infrastructure development.

A German firm has reported significant delays in the delivery of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for major infrastructure projects in India, primarily due to bottlenecks at Chinese customs. These machines, crucial for various metro and urban infrastructure projects across India, are held up in China, impacting timelines and planning for metro expansions in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The delays are attributed to recent administrative slowdowns and export procedures, creating a backlog at customs that has impeded the supply chain. The TBM delay poses challenges to India’s metro projects, which rely on these machines to advance tunneling operations for new lines and extensions. Given India’s large-scale infrastructure goals, including expanding metro networks in urban areas to alleviate congestion and promote sustainable transport, the situation has raised concerns among project managers and government officials. German suppliers are now working closely with Indian stakeholders to explore alternatives, such as using locally manufactured machines or seeking support from other suppliers, to mitigate potential setbacks. India’s infrastructure sector has previously faced similar challenges with supply chain dependencies, especially for machinery and raw materials sourced internationally. The delay highlights the need for diversified sourcing and the potential benefit of increasing domestic production capabilities for essential equipment. As authorities and the German firm navigate the situation, the goal remains to minimize disruptions and maintain momentum in urban infrastructure development.

Next Story
Building Material

Suraj Estate Wins Euromoney Award for India’s Best Residential Developer

"Suraj Estate Developers Limited has received the Euromoney Real Estate Award 2025 for ‘India’s Best Residential Developer’, positioning the company among globally benchmarked leaders in the sector. The recognition reflects its four-decade legacy in delivering high-quality residential and redevelopment-led projects across South Central Mumbai. The Euromoney Real Estate Awards, presented by the London-based Euromoney magazine, are widely regarded as one of the most credible global assessments of performance in real estate, banking and finance. Winners are selected through surveys of inte..

Next Story
Building Material

Lloyds Metals, Tata Steel Sign MoU to Explore Strategic Collaboration

"Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Steel Limited to evaluate potential areas of strategic cooperation across mining, logistics, pelletisation and steelmaking. The MoU was signed by B Prabhakaran, Managing Director of Lloyds Metals, and Mr T V Narendran, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Steel. The partnership framework aims to leverage the natural operational synergies between both companies and assess opportunities in greenfield steel projects, iron ore mining, slurry pipeline infrastructure, pellet manufacturing in iron ore–ric..

Next Story
Building Material

IndiaAI, Gujarat Govt Host Regional Conclave Ahead of 2026 AI Summit

The IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, along with the Government of Gujarat and IIT Gandhinagar, convened a Regional Pre-Summit Event at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. The initiative is part of the build-up to the India–AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled for 15–20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The conclave brought together senior policymakers, technology leaders, researchers and industry practitioners to examine how AI can accelerate economic, digital and social transformation across sectors. The programme focused on the overarching th..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Open In App