- Tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are critical equipment used in the construction of tunnels for transportation, utilities, and mining, enabling high-precision excavation through a variety of soil and rock conditions. They are essential for metro systems, railway tunnels, water pipelines, and underground highways
- The demand for TBMs is significantly driven by the surge in infrastructure development projects, particularly in urban transportation and cross-border connectivity. Increasing government investments in underground infrastructure across Asia-Pacific and Europe are among the key contributors to this growth
- The Asia-Pacific region stands out as the dominant region for tunnel boring machines, driven by rapid urbanization, megacity developments, and initiatives like China's Belt and Road Initiative and India’s expanding metro networks
- For instance, In March 2024, China launched multiple high-speed rail and subway tunnel projects using slurry and earth pressure balance TBMs, while in January 2024, India’s Mumbai Metro Line 3 and Bangalore Metro Phase 2 advanced significantly with TBM deployment
- Globally, tunnel boring machines are regarded as one of the most vital components of underground construction machinery, playing a pivotal role in enabling faster, safer, and more efficient tunneling operations compared to traditional methods
