The majority of the world’s most densely populated cities are in southern and eastern Asia. Population growth in Asia is running at eight times that of Europe and accounting for 46 per cent of the world total.

While some countries, most famously China, have taken steps to limit population growth, it is still a major factor transforming eastern societies. The strain that an increasing population puts on the utility and transport infrastructures has been added to by a trend of rural communities relocating to the cities.

And it is not just a growing population that is putting strain on the cities. China had seen record levels of manufacturing growth immediately prior to the financial crisis and analysts this month reported the country to be ramping up once again. Singapore is also seeing leaps in its manufacturing activity as major western companies open up new plants in the country. The industrial parks are massive draws on the local infrastructure.

While this is a challenge for the region it is a great opportunity for tunnellers. There is a clear and obvious correlation between the population density of a city and the tunnelling activity within it. And most westeners are not even aware of the existence of some of these supercities, particularly in China. One of the most densely populated cities, Hong Kong, is also a hub for tunnelling and is a typical example of the regions needs. Transportation, typically light and high speed rails are at the core of the developments.

In Hong Kong there are 26 tunnelling contracts on the XRL express line alone. Client MTR Corporation awarded a series of contracts for the project this month. On the metro network, there are multiple extensions planned and a new line. There are three major drainage tunnels under construction and upgrades to the harbour. And the Hong Kong Highways Department last month awarded Central-Wan Chai Bypass (CWB) project, worth a total of HKD 6.65bn (USD 857M).

The rest of the region is following suit. Work has kicked off on Line 2 of the Ho Chi Minh metro in Vietnam. The 20km line, due for completion in 2015 and, despite its name is the first of six lines planned for the congested city. Also in Vietnam, work has started on the 12.5km Hanoi metro, a USD1bn project linking Nhon in Tu Liem district to Hoan Kiem district. It includes some 3km of underground line.

Contracts have been awarded for Bangkok’s (USD 1.65bn) Blue Line mass transit project, which includes 27km of underground and elevated lines running from Bang Sue to Tha Phra.

And back in Singapore, often looked upon as a centre of tunnelling in Asia, has announced the planned alignment for its Downtown Line 3.

The continuing growth of these cities will maintain a buoyant tunneling market for the foreseeable future.


Jon Young