With reference to BEML's indigenous tunnel-boring machine initiative, consider the following statements: 1. BEML is a state-owned defense and engineering company. 2. The government plans to invest $15 billion in tunneling projects over five years. 3. The initiative focuses on machines with diameters between 1.5 meters and 3.5 meters. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

BEML plans indigenous tunnel-boring machines to reduce India's reliance on foreign suppliers

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Defence technology· Prelims + Mains· 12 November 2026

Atmanirbhar Bharat in heavy engineering: a GS3 case study on import substitution and infrastructure.

Why in news

BEML plans to develop indigenous tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and support a $9.6 billion government tunneling investment goal.

Background

BEML, a state-owned defense and engineering company, will focus on TBMs with diameters between 3.5 meters and 6.5 meters. The initiative aligns with a government plan to invest up to $9.6 billion in tunneling projects over a five-year period.

Facts for Prelims

BodyBEML: A state-owned defense and engineering company in India
FactBEML's initial TBM focus: machines with diameters between 3.5 meters and 6.5 meters
FactGovernment tunneling investment target: up to $9.6 billion over five years

Prelims practice question

With reference to BEML's indigenous tunnel-boring machine initiative, consider the following statements:

BEML is a state-owned defense and engineering company.
The government plans to invest $15 billion in tunneling projects over five years.
The initiative focuses on machines with diameters between 1.5 meters and 3.5 meters.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)1 and 2 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (a) 1 only — Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The government plans to invest up to $9.6 billion over five years. Statement 3 is incorrect: The machines will have diameters between 3.5 meters and 6.5 meters.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the significance of indigenous manufacturing in heavy engineering and its role in achieving India's infrastructure goals and reducing import dependency.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Import substitution: Reducing vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions for critical infrastructure machinery
Technological sovereignty: Developing high-precision engineering capabilities to support large-scale urban and transport projects

Keywords: Atmanirbhar Bharat · Import Substitution · Infrastructure Development · Indigenous Manufacturing · Supply Chain Resilience

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: NDTV ↗Also: GS3 · Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, railways)Also: GS2 · Government policies & schemes

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