Transportation and communication is the lifelines of the country and its economy, as the whole economy of a country is depending on transport and communication. Owing to the modern system of transport and communication the world is developing by leaps and bounds. Without physical access to resources and markets, economic growth and development would not be possible. Transport is also essential for providing access to basic public services, such as health and education. Modern and advanced transport infrastructure and services, along with laws and regulations governing the smooth flow of goods and services within and across countries, are crucial factors of strengthening regional economic cooperation and integration.
Bored of long traffic jam!! Dive Down through the Belly of Road and sway aside the long queue of congested road and reach fastest!!
There are roadways, Trains, airways, ropeways and underpasses and tunnels which are ensuring smooth transportation throughout the world.
While other ways of transportation are quite popular but tunnels and underpasses were not so much popular compared to others. But now with advanced infrastructural science and architectural advancements tunnels and underpasses are widely being used in urban cityscape which is making the journey smooth and time saving.
Tunnels are underground passageways, dug through the surrounding soil and enclosed except for an entrance and an exit at each end. They are playing an essential role for a well-functioning transport network. On the other hand, underpasses are very similar structures, but usually they are shorter in size. Tunnels and underpasses help to a great extent in areas where traffic flows are very intense in specific hours. Construction of Tunnel for transport routes is becoming increasingly important worldwide. Transport is accelerated and optimum protection is provided for the environment and the landscape. Tunnels and underpasses are very attractive solutions for railways, roadways, public utilities and telecommunication.
Renowned and successful Architect & CEO of Access Architect Atul Shah quoted “It is a myth that the use of technology turns-out to be extortionate for a project rather, it further aids in providing superior profitability & competence to the built form in the long run,”
Constructing a tunnel, however, is one of the most complex challenges in the field of civil engineering. Underpasses are designed as a rehabilitation of a crossroad, or sometimes it is used alternative ways to divert the traffic, as we see in major metro cities. Hot rolled steel sheet piles are ideal for the construction of tunnel and underpass because, it can be easily molded to give the required shape. It reduces surface disruption, so that, no over excavation for foundations is required. Sheet piles have immediate load-bearing capacity, and they can be easily made aesthetically attractive. These sheets have excellent fire resistance performance with and without protection. Ratio of length to width, in a tunnel, should always be at least in 2: 1. Usually, the circular tunnel is usually preferred due to convenient construction and function layout requirements.
The process of construction of underpasses and tunnels majorly depends on the soil conditions and other technical requirements. If the structure is shallow, it can be constructed using cut-and-cover method. Here in this, the excavation of a trench that is subsequently roofed over with an overhead support system strong enough to support the loads coming from above. Another method which is used is called the top-down method, where soil is dug below the top slab which is executed right after installation of the sheet pile structure. The methods needs demands an expert skill and knowledge about the construction and excavation methods so that, the tunnels and underpasses can be helpful to offer a smooth traffic system avoiding the Congestion of rushing hours and accidents.
Take the underpass you will never miss the bus!! Drive through the tunnel to another dimension!!
Water is a potential hazard for tunnels and underpasses, as it very low compared to the land. To avoid overflow or waterlogged situation, a proper drainage is critical and can be accomplished by digging ditches on the sides of the pathway. The civic bodies who will maintain the underpasses or tunnels should use proper and specific use of signage to avoid any serious hazards and life threats. Lights should be installed in the tunnel, if possible, or post “flashlight-required signs” if permanent lighting is not an option to avoid accidental death due to flooding.
Bangalore is famous for its IT tech parks, business parks and long underpasses. People often use such underpasses to avoid traffic or to take diversion. But when it rains tunnels and underpasses can be the deathbed like, on May 2023, a 23-year-old girl, who was an employee of Infosys was submerged while travelling towards electronic city in a car and died in a waterlogged underpass in Bengaluru.
NHAI’s Bengaluru Regional Officer Vivek Jaiswal quoted, “Building a tunnel road is the only solution to decongest Bengaluru because there are too many physical hurdles over-ground for other traffic solutions. There are flyovers, metro lines, religious structures, etc.”
As days are passing, technology is upgrading and emerging, leaving a very little room for the wildlife creatures to roam around safely. They are mercilessly dying in the hands of urban concrete structure, pollution and dashing against speeding vehicles. Researches of the Wildlife Institute of India have appealed to construct an underpass under NH44 to reduce the killing of innocent wildlife of Kanha Forest on 2020. Till date 9 underpasses and minor bridges have been constructed for safe passage of wild animals. Provisions have been made for three elephant underpasses, each six meters tall. These will be constructed under road project on NH54.
Recently, Vatika Chowk underpass was built by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) with a thrifty amount Rs. 109 crore to ease travel and reduce congestion between Golf Course Road (Extension) and NH-8.
Kolkata Metro runs through the underground tunnels and making the distance shorter and free of congestion. Kolkata’s first multi-tier underpass will be opened soon at New Town Biswa-Bangla gate which will cater the heavy traffic of New Town, Rajarhat and the airport area.
To wind up, we can say that, undoubtedly constructing a long tunnel is a time consuming and very expensive project. To build an underpass or tunnel road may cost around Rs. 100-300crore, depending on the location and type of materials used. With the tremendous progress of science and technology many new methods and techniques are floating up in the market which is fostering the pace of progress but we should always be careful of the loop-holes to avoid accidents and mishaps which can cause a great loss to life and money.
Just keep calm and tunnel through it, the other side of the road is waiting for you!!
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