Archive · 22 Dec 2025
Centre Issues Guidelines to Prevent Tunnel Collapses
The Indian government has created new rules to stop tunnels from collapsing during construction.
These rules say that before building a tunnel, teams must make a list of possible problems and how to fix them.
They also need to study the ground carefully.
The government wants to make sure everyone involved in building the tunnel knows what to do and follows the rules.
This way, they hope to avoid accidents and make the building process smoother and safer.
The rules also say that the people in charge of the project must take responsibility for everything that happens.
Experts will be there to help with different parts of the project, like making plans, building, and keeping everyone safe.
The Centre has issued guidelines to prevent tunnel collapses after recent incidents in Uttarkashi (2023) and Nagarkurnool (2025).
Guidelines mandate the preparation of a 'Risk Register' and 'Geotechnical Baseline Report' during the planning stages.
Competent execution teams with relevant experience are required for tunnel projects.
All construction tenders must include risk registers and geotechnical due diligence reports.
The authority must take responsibility for every stage of the project and establish a dedicated expert team.
- Who
- Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Indian Government
- What
- Issuance of guidelines to prevent tunnel collapses
- When
- After recent tunnel collapse incidents, including Uttarkashi (2023) and Nagarkurnool (2025)
- Where
- India
- Why
- To improve safety and reduce risks in tunnel construction projects
- Recent Incidents
- Tunnel collapses in Uttarkashi (2023) and Nagarkurnool (2025)
- Key Documents
- Risk Register and Geotechnical Baseline Report (GBR)
- Responsible Ministry
- Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
- Project Phases
- Planning, Execution, Monitoring
- Expert Teams
- Contract management, design, execution, safety, geology
- Tender Requirements
- Risk register and geotechnical due diligence reports
- Authority Responsibilities
- Ownership and accountability throughout the project lifecycle