EPIROC has played a key role in supporting the Shimla Bypass Tunnel Project in India by providing a mechanized rock excavation solution to Bharat Constructions (India) Pvt. Ltd., one of the country’s leading road and tunnelling contractors. The project forms part of a major infrastructure programme developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) along National Highway 5 (NH-5) in Himachal Pradesh.
The 27.4-kilometre bypass aims to reduce congestion in the city of Shimla and improve regional connectivity across the mountainous region. The project includes tunnels, bridges and culverts constructed in complex Himalayan geology, where sensitive terrain and proximity to populated areas create significant technical and safety challenges.
While most tunnelling works have been carried out using conventional drill-and-blast methods supported by the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), blasting restrictions in certain sections required an alternative excavation approach. Following a technical assessment, EPIROC recommended the use of its HB 3600 DP hydraulic breaker as a precise, non-explosive solution capable of maintaining excavation progress while limiting vibrations and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
The equipment was adapted for underground tunnelling conditions and delivered reliable performance during continuous excavation operations. In addition to equipment supply, EPIROC provided operational and maintenance training for engineering and site teams, helping optimise uptime and safe operation underground.
The project demonstrates the increasing importance of mechanized excavation technologies in sensitive infrastructure developments, particularly in regions where environmental, regulatory and safety requirements limit the use of conventional blasting methods.
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