INSIGHT | PROJECTS - MIDDLE EAST
GLOBAL REGIONS: PROJECT PIPELINE SNAPSHOT
Middle East and North Africa (Mena) The Mena region has a tunnel construction pipeline valued at US$128.6 billion. The UAE is one of the leading markets, with US$25.4 billion of projects that are mainly for metro systems and water and sewage tunnels. Across the region, economic factors like high debt and lower oil revenues may hinder the progress of these projects in the future. Western Europe Western Europe has a tunnel construction project pipeline valued at US$329.5 billion, with Switzerland leading with $60.6bn of projects, followed by Germany with US$56.8 billion. Notable projects include the Turin-Lyon tunnel. Projects in pre-execution and execution stages total US$222.8 billion, with the highest-value project being Zurich’s US$38.8 billion CST (underground cargo) Freight Metro Tunnel. Northeast Asia Northeast Asia’s tunnel construction pipeline is valued at US$327.7 billion, with China contributing US$220.3 billion, including the US$42.4 billion Dalian-Yantai undersea railway tunnel. Japan has projects worth US$101.3 billion, primarily the US$65.2 billion Tokyo to Nagoya Maglev Railway Line. Most projects are in later development stages, totalling US$198.3 billion, or 69.8% of the pipeline. Australasia Australasia’s tunnel construction pipeline totals US$150.1 billion, with Australia holding US$112.9 billion, about 75% of the region’s value. The largest project is the US$87 billion Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop, a 90km-long rail loop with 13 stations. Construction on six stations began in 2022, with the entire project expected to finish by 2050, though rising costs and labour shortages may affect this. North America North America’s tunnel projects are valued at US$92.4 billion, with US$63.6 billion in pre-execution and execution stages. The pipeline includes 921.8km of tunnels, primarily in the US. Railway tunnels are the largest segment at US$40.7 billion, with the Hudson River Rail Tunnel being the highest-value project at US$16 billion.
Southeast Asia Southeast Asia’s tunnel pipeline is valued at US$91.3 billion, with US$55.1 billion under construction. Singapore leads with US$45.2 billion, mainly from rail tunnel projects. The Land Transport Authority awarded a US$199 million contract for tunnels connecting MRT stations as part of the Cross Island Line’s second phase. Eastern Europe Eastern Europe’s pipeline is valued at US$56.3 billion, with US$46.9 billion in pre-execution and execution stages. Major contributors include Turkiye, Czechia and Romania, which has the largest share at US$16.3 billion. The US$9 billion Bucharest metro Line 5 is a key project expected to complete by 2033, with spending projected to rise in the coming years. South Asia South Asia’s tunnel construction pipeline is valued at US$47.9 billion, with India contributing US$31.9 billion, primarily from road tunnels. A notable project is the US$1.3 billion Thane to Borivali tunnel. The pipeline includes 2,043.7km of developments. Latin America Latin America has a growing tunnel construction pipeline valued at US$30.3 billion, with US$28.7 billion in later development stages. The region includes 276.2km of projects, with Colombia leading at 92.1km. The highest-value project is the US$9.6 billion Bogota metro, which began construction in early 2021. Sub-Saharan Africa Sub-Saharan Africa’s tunnel construction pipeline is valued at US$6.7 billion, with 63.7% in pre-execution and execution stages. The pipeline includes 1,580km of projects, primarily in Tanzania, Ethiopia and Kenya. Spending may reach US$685 million in 2025, but investment constraints may limit new projects.
In conclusion, while the global tunnel construction industry faces challenges due to muted spending, high construction material prices and geopolitical uncertainties, significant infrastructure initiatives are expected to continue driving new investment. By Colin Foreman
40 | June 2025
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