State-run BEML has plans to make Tunnel Boring Machines to cut dependence on China

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In a move to reduce India’s dependence on China for Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) and to cater to the growing demand from infrastructure projects, state-run BEML is preparing to manufacture TBMs domestically and has invited bids for design consultancy.

Sources familiar with the developments have told Moneycontrol that BEML has already initiated discussions with firms from countries like Austria and Japan. “This tender is for design consultancy, and we will have to wait and see the kind of response we receive from global firms. Manufacturing will take some more time,” one source said.

BEML, which comes under the Ministry of Defence, recently floated an Expression of Interest (EoI) seeking partnerships with globally reputed design consultancy firms for the indigenous design and development of TBMs. The company is seeking interested parties with a proven track record in designing TBMs ranging from 6 metres to 16.5 metres in diameter.

Also Read: MC Explains: Overcrowded Bengaluru Metro coaches: Fallout of Indo-China conflict

India has witnessed a growing demand for TBMs for Metro rail, tunnel roads, hydroelectric, irrigation, mining, and other infrastructure projects.

Government’s Backing

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) too is playing a major role in encouraging indigenous TBM production, given the surge in metro rail projects across the country. MoHUA sources said a meeting with senior officials of BEML was held in June 2025 in New Delhi where the PSU presented its proposal to manufacture TBMs ranging from 6m to 15m in diameter.

"BEML is likely to begin with a 6.5-metre diameter TBM project in the first phase, possibly in collaboration with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)" one MoHUA source told Moneycontrol.

Also Read: Bengaluru Metro completes tunnelling work on city’s longest underground section

India’s Metro network, now the third largest in the world, spans over 1,013 km across 23 cities. The Centre’s budget for Metro projects in 2025-26 has jumped to Rs 34,807 crore, a more than six-fold rise compared to 2013-14.

Focus on Customised Design and Urban Needs

The shortlisted design consultancy will be responsible for analysing project-specific factors, including geological and geotechnical conditions, tunnel geometry, production targets, risks and regulatory requirements.

“Based on this analysis, the appropriate TBM type- such as Earth Pressure Balance (EPB), Slurry, Hard Rock, or Dual Mode - will be selected for different Indian conditions, especially in urban areas with mixed-face geology and high groundwater pressure”, the tender document said.

BEML said that the TBMs will be designed to minimise settlement impact, reduce noise and vibration, and offer tight turning radius capability for use in densely built environments. “The after-sales service will be rendered by our nationwide service network with the support of the design consultancy firm,” the PSU said in its EoI document.

Also Read: Bengaluru's infra body invites global bids for Rs 17,700 crore tunnel road project

This is not BEML’s first venture into the TBM segment. In 2009, BEML signed a Memorandum of Agreement with France-based NFM Technologies to manufacture TBMs for India and Southeast Asia. However, the partnership stalled in 2018 after NFM was acquired by German firm Mühlhäuser, which shifted focus to the European market.

Currently, India relies heavily on imported TBMs, mainly from Herrenknecht (Germany), Terratec (Australia), CRCHI and STEC (China), and Komatsu (Japan), with many of these assembled in China. The recent Indo-China border standoff had disrupted TBM imports, affecting major infrastructure projects such as Mumbai’s underground Metro project.

Also Read: Nearly a year after unveiling, first Vande Bharat sleeper train yet to start passenger service

BEML operates four manufacturing facilities located in Bengaluru, Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), and Mysuru in Karnataka, and Palakkad in Kerala. The company works across three main business segments: Mining & Construction, Defence & Aerospace, and Rail & Metro.