About TAI
About the Tunnelling Association of India (TAI)
The Tunnelling Association of India (TAI), established in 1991, serves as the Indian chapter of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA). It is a non-profit, non-governmental organization registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. India’s association with the ITA began in 1976, initiated by the Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP), and TAI was later constituted to formalize India’s active engagement in the global tunnelling community.
TAI’s core objective is to promote international cooperation, technical advancement, and knowledge sharing in the field of tunnelling and underground space technologies. The association is committed to advancing best practices in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of tunnels and subsurface structures, with a strong emphasis on safety, sustainability, and innovation.
Key Activities of TAI:
- Promoting the planned and sustainable use of underground space.
- Advancing new technologies and practices in tunnelling and underground infrastructure.
- Organizing seminars, symposia, workshops, and training programs, both nationally and internationally, in collaboration with industry partners and institutions.
- Facilitating technical exchange and collaboration among global experts, professionals, and stakeholders in the underground construction sector.
Mission of TAI:
TAI’s mission aligns with that of the ITA, and is centered on:
- Promoting the effective and sustainable use of underground space for public benefit, environmental protection, and urban development.
- Supporting the advancement of design, construction, maintenance, and safety standards in underground infrastructure, while addressing emerging challenges through knowledge integration and innovation.
Vision and Strategic Focus:
- Enhancing awareness among the public and policymakers about the economic, environmental, and social benefits of underground space.
- Reinforcing safety and risk management as core principles in all tunnelling activities.
- Supporting the integration of underground infrastructure into modern, resilient, and sustainable urban planning.
Aims and Objectives:
- Promote innovative and sustainable uses of underground space for the benefit of society and the environment.
- Encourage comprehensive studies to evaluate underground alternatives to surface infrastructure, taking into account not only direct costs but also life – cycle benefits and environmental impacts.
- Facilitate the development of national strategies, policies, and guidelines for efficient and responsible subsurface utilization.
Promote cost-effective and state-of-the-art methods for:
o Planning and design
o Geotechnical investigation
o Construction
o Operation and maintenance
o Safety and risk mitigation
all supported by modern technologies and forward-thinking practices.
Strengthen capacity building and skill development, especially for young professionals, through:
o Specialized training programs and workshops
o Upgraded academic curricula
o Enhanced access to hands-on learning and professional exposure