China banned TBM exports, but India is building its own tunnel boring machines; Ashwini Vaishnaw shares progress & status of 125-km Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line with 16 tunnels

India is expanding its domestic tunnel boring machine (TBM) manufacturing capabilities as work progresses on the 125-km Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line through the Himalayas. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said India now manufactures 8-metre and 15-metre TBMs and plans to produce machines exceeding 16 metres, amid fresh Chinese restrictions on the technology. The railway project involves 16 tunnels and 19 bridges, with around 83% of its route passing through tunnels.