For the 9th consecutive year, the ITA is arranging the Awards to honor undertakings and endeavors within the realm of Tunneling and Subterranean Environments. Following the triumph of the preceding virtual editions, this year's ITA Tunnelling and Underground Space awards will adopt a hybrid approach. Since 2015, this international competition has been on the lookout for and commending exceptional accomplishments in the tunneling and underground sector. Managed by the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, an organization comprising 79 Member Nations and 266 corporate or affiliate members, the event not only exhibits the latest innovations, methodologies, and techniques employed in subterranean construction but also provides a worldwide overview of ongoing projects across the globe.

Scheduled for the 24th of November 2023, the 2023 ITA Tunnelling Awards and gala ceremony will occur in Mumbai. This event will coincide with the Tunnelling Asia 2023 Conference, set to transpire on November 22 and 23, 2023, at the grand Hotel ITC Maratha.

Spearheaded by the TAI, the Tunnelling Asia 2023 International Conference revolves around the theme of "Resilience to Climate and Sustainability in Tunneling and Subterranean Spaces." This conference acts as a platform for exchanging knowledge, lessons learned, and real-world case studies that spotlight practical applications in this field. The conference unites local authorities, public institutions, contractors, equipment manufacturers, and engineers to deliberate upon scientific and technological progressions and sustainable methodologies in subterranean tunneling.

Diverse subjects concerning sustainability and adapting to climate change, such as "Sustainability in Subterranean Environments" and "Measures for Adapting to Climate Change," will be thoroughly explored during the conference. Furthermore, a dedicated session concentrating on the tunnel and underground sector will delve into aspects like automated tunneling equipment and geomechanics related to drilling and explosive techniques. The conference's objective is to foster meaningful dialogues and insights for the betterment of all participants.

AN INTERNATIONAL AND SKILLFUL COMPETITION

The ITA Tunnelling Awards function serves as a skillful competition, attracting submissions from every corner of the world through eight categories encompassing all aspects of the global tunneling industry. Additionally, the event acknowledges one exceptional tunneler under the age of 30.

This year, a total of 53 nominations have been received from 16 different countries.

WHAT'S NEW:

The proceedings will be conducted in a hybrid manner, extending both in-person and virtual participation possibilities. For individuals who are unable to be physically present or face travel constraints, an opportunity to engage remotely and partake in the celebration of the tunneling industry will be provided through an interactive virtual setup. The recorded presentations of the finalists will be accessible on the digital platform ahead of the conference.

On the day of the conference, roundtable discussions will delve into a variety of subjects with the engagement of finalists and the audience. Attendees will gain insights into an array of impressive tunneling endeavors, outstanding engineering feats, safety innovations, eco-friendly projects, and the effective utilization of subterranean spaces worldwide. The conference endeavors to create an exclusive platform for discovering, learning, and exchanging insights about remarkable projects and cutting-edge methodologies. Irrespective of whether attendees are physically present or joining virtually, they will have access to the digital platform.

The Jury of the 9^th edition of ITA’s Awards:

Finalists will be revealed in September.

More information on ITA Tunnelling and Underground Space Awards website: https://awards.ita-aites.org/

Original report by Tunnels & Infrastructures https://www.tunnels-infrastructures.com/