Distinguished Participants,
It is a matter of honor for India to host for the first time, the World Tunnel Congress at which the important topic of "Underground Facilities for Better Environment and Safety" will be addressed.
Good infrastructure consisting of an efficient network of roads and railways, a reliable system of power generation and supply, an effective communication set up and proper utilization of the potential of water resources is a pre-requisite for rapid and stable economic growth. For a fast developing country like India, there is high priority attached to setting up energy and transportation facilities, metros and many other projects that involve the construction of underground structures and extensive tunneling.
Since tunnel and underground works are generally located in difficult environments, often in remote and hilly terrain, it is important that engineering projects are well conceptualized and systematically planned. At the same time, the social and environmental aspects have to be addressed carefully for sustainable development. Keeping in view the growing requirement for a large number of tunnels, mechanized methods and the state of the art tunneling technology will need to be adopted. Research efforts must continue for developing faster and cost-effective techniques for tunnel driving under complex geological environment particularly to help the developing countries.
Various specialists such as underground surveyors, geologists, hydro-geologists, geotechnical specialists, blasting experts, drilling experts and grouting experts, are required for this purpose. It is very essential to build the capacities of the technicians and labour force to enable them to use modern concepts and equipment. Imparting training to manpower for design, engineering, manufacturing, erection and commissioning of projects must receive constant attention. Apart from training programmes conducted by the Government, the industry as well as developers and construction agencies can also play an important role in the skill development of project manpower.
The World Tunnel Congress provides an excellent forum to hear presentations from tunneling experts, about their experience in the use of latest technology, the problems encountered, their solutions and best practices required to be followed for safe and efficient development of underground facilities. I am sure that the Congress will come out with clear recommendations on efficient and safe development of underground facilities.
I applaud the efforts of Central Board of Irrigation and Power and the Tunneling Association of India under the aegis of the International Tunneling and Underground Space Association for organizing the World Tunnel Congress in India.
I convey my good wishes to all delegates participating in the Congress, both from overseas and from India. I hope the discussions would be quite fruitful and encouraging. Wish you all success.
Thank you.
Jai Hind.
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