Tunnel Formworks & Gantries Manufacturer | NPEC

Tunnel GantryTunneling NPEC

National Power Engineering Company (NPEC), an esteemed tunnel gantry manufacturer in India, specialises in engineering solutions for tunnel formwork, gantries, and bespoke support structures to meet all tunnelling and underground construction needs. With in-house structural and hydraulic design capabilities, they design solutions that are strong and effective for the client's tunnel geometry, required lining and specifications, construction technique, and available on-site working conditions.

Tunnel Gantry Manufacturer in India | NPEC

NPEC designs tunnel formwork and gantries from 3.3 meters to 20 meters. Our designs include fully mechanical and hydraulic systems, self-propelled hydraulic tunnel formwork, and any combination required for different projects.

We produce horseshoe and modified horseshoe types, D-type, Bell Mouth type, cavern type, pocket type, T-junction type, and Y-junction gantries, along with other designs and all types of allied tunnel work accessories and specialised support structures for Tunnel Boring Machines, such as TBM reaction frames, TBM cradles, and D-frames.

NPEC's quality fabrication, excellent design skills, timely delivery to construction sites, and after-sales support help contractors and developers execute tunnel construction with confidence.

 

Tunnel Gantry Overview: NPEC Capabilities and Applications

Category

NPEC Tunnel Gantry & Formwork Capability

Tunnel Gantry Size

3.3 m to 20 m tunnel diameter

Operating Systems

Mechanical, hydraulic, and self-propelled hydraulic systems

Tunnel Profiles

Horseshoe, modified horseshoe, D-type, bell mouth, cavern, pocket, T-junction, and Y-junction

Primary Applications

Highway, railway, irrigation, hydropower, NATM, culvert, and underground construction projects

Tunnel Lining

Hydraulic and mechanical tunnel lining gantries for repetitive concrete lining

Reinforcement Work

Customised tunnel reinforcement gantries based on tunnel geometry and reinforcement requirements

Membrane Installation

Tunnel membrane gantries providing working access and support for waterproofing membrane installation

NATM Solutions

Custom hydraulic and mechanical gantries for NATM tunnel construction

Railway Tunnel Solutions

2-line and 3-line railway tunnel gantries designed to project-specific profiles and working requirements

NHAI Tunnel Solutions

Hydraulic and mechanical tunnel gantries for highway and NHAI tunnel projects

Irrigation Solutions

Custom irrigation tunnel gantries for underground water infrastructure

Box Culvert Solutions

Gantry systems designed for controlled positioning and repetitive casting of box-type structures

TBM Support Structures

TBM reaction frames, TBM cradles, D-frames, and other specialised support structures

Engineering Capability

In-house structural and hydraulic design coordination

Fabrication

Project-specific fabrication based on drawings, dimensions, loads, and site conditions

Mock Assembly

Mock assembly at NPEC works before dispatch, where required

Safety Features

Positive locking and double-locking arrangements can be incorporated as required

Installation Support

Installation assistance and operating-team training

Geographic Capability

Tunnel gantry and specialised fabrication solutions for projects across India and international locations, including Bhutan

After-Sales Support

Technical and operational support following installation

 

What is a Tunnel Gantry?

A gantry in a tunnel is a steel or mechanical structure engineered to enable tunnel construction for the placement of formwork and formation of a concrete lining. The structure is hydraulically or mechanically powered, depending on project needs, and can be engineered for the required tunnel diameter and shape, lining thickness, and construction sequence.

The gantry provides an integral work and support framework that lets contractors install formwork correctly, maintain a consistent tunnel shape, and repeat lining work quickly.

NPEC produces gantry-style tunnelling machines to suit different tunnel dimensions and operating methods. The system can be manufactured with diameters from 3.3m to 20.0m, with configuration decided by project circumstances. The system can be hydraulically operated and settable with positive lock, or be mechanical. 

All have safety-biased locking systems designed to provide dependable on-site operation, incorporating double-locking arrangements for safe construction. NPEC's flagship gantry structure is roughly 15 m long, 20m in diameter, and 16m high. It suits a 2.5m concrete lining requirement, is lightweight, and remains robust for underground tunnelling applications.

Types of tunnel gantries manufactured by us

NPEC manufactures a variety of tunnel gantries and formwork systems. We tailor every formwork system to the tunnel geometry, construction technique, lining needs, and site conditions.

  • Tunnel Lining Gantry

A Tunnel lining gantry holds the formwork that casts concrete lining inside a tunnel. Formwork should be accurately positioned to attain the desired tunnel dimensions and lining profile. NPEC engineers designed a hydraulic and mechanical lining gantry for repetitive tunnelling structures to move and position it efficiently while maintaining the lining-work cycle.

  • Tunnel Reinforcement Gantry

A tunnel reinforcement gantry supports elements that arise during reinforcement works and tunnel lining preparation. It can be designed to suit specific tunnel characteristics, reinforcement arrangements, or the job requirements of a particular tunnel. NPEC engineers design reinforcement support structures based on tunnel width, working space requirements, load-bearing capacity, and the tunnel-building sequence.

  • Irrigation Tunnel Gantry

Because tunnel geometry, concrete lining, and construction site access vary, irrigation tunnel construction requires careful engineering.

Our NPEC engineers produce irrigation tunnel gantries to support concrete lining construction, tailored to the specific tunnelling structure of irrigation tunnels. The design adapts to irrigation tunnel shapes, meets project needs, and provides a more efficient construction environment for underground water structure development projects.

  • Box Culvert Gantry

The box culvert gantry system refers to a gantry construction technique for applications that require controlled positioning and repetitive casting in construction projects. NPEC engineers design the box culvert gantry based on the box culvert dimensions and form required for the specific construction project, meeting concrete dimensions and other working requirements at every stage.

 Positioning and repetitive casting in construction projects.

  • NHAI Tunnel Gantry

Highway construction projects require stable machinery and systems to carry out lining works repeatedly, meet the construction cycle, and support the project schedule with sufficient capacity. NPEC provides tunnel gantry systems to make construction possible, especially for NHAI tunnel gantry construction projects.

NPEC designs hydraulic and mechanical tunnel gantries based on construction dimensions, including lining thickness, lining shape, and the proposed excavation method, to ensure compatibility and efficiency. A well-designed fabrication process and effective after-sales service can help manage tunnelling costs.

  • Railway 2 Line Tunnel Gantry

Tunnel construction machinery is highly specific for railway tunnels because the final tunnel profile must be precisely measured and controlled based on each construction criterion. NPEC designs and manufactures a railway 2 Line tunnel gantry suitable for different tunnel shapes and types of Railway tunnel construction work, based on customer specifications, to improve efficiency for repetition within the working and installation cycle at a tunnel project site, with an acceptable working-space margin.

The developed system may accommodate specific lining and reinforcement construction work, in addition to repetitive formwork placement.

  • Railway 3 Line Tunnel Gantry

3-line railway tunnel projects have larger tunnel sections with specific construction technical requirements. Therefore, NPEC proposes a railway 3-line tunnel gantry designed to create the optimum working solution to meet the proposed form and dimensions of a three-line tunnel project, with specific consideration and recommendation on hydraulic or mechanical design for better function of the mover, lock-in, overall rigidity structure, plus all installation requirements from site factors that may accompany.

 

NATM Gantry Fabricators in India – Our NATM Expertise 

As one of the NATM gantry fabricators in India, NPEC designs and builds customised engineered formwork and support for tunnel works on the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) basis.

Construction systems on NATM sites must cope with varying geology and changing requirements for excavation and support measures. Tunnel gantries used on NATM projects therefore must be carefully designed, considering geometry, tunnel reinforcement, lining, access, and the sequence of work.

Structural and hydraulic designers in NPEC tailor each design to job requirements, rather than using generic designs. The fabrication facility in NPEC consists of:

  • Hydraulic and mechanical automatically driven tunnel forms

  • Horseshoe-type hydraulic/mechanical tunnel gantries

  • D-type hydraulic/mechanical tunnel gantries

  • Customised horseshoe-type hydraulic tunnel gantries

  • Cavern-type tunnel gantries

  • Pocket-type tunnel gantries

  • Y- junction hydraulic/mechanical tunnel gantries

  • T-junction hydraulic/mechanical tunnel gantries

  • Bell mouth hydraulic tunnel gantries

  • Mechanical type tunnel gantries

With a wide range of hydraulic/mechanical tunnel formwork, NPEC can cover almost every tunnel shape and special underground structure.

 

Hydraulic Tunnel Fabricator

NPEC's experienced Hydraulic Tunnel Fabricator service provides tailored hydraulic formwork and gantry systems suitable for tunnelling activities. We design the hydraulic system based on tunnel dimensions, lining thickness, construction sequence, and site conditions.

Our company fabricates hydraulic tunnel gantries for the following tunnel types: horseshoe, D-type, cavern, bell mouth, T-junction, Y-junction, and many others. NPEC efficiently coordinates the design and hydraulic components required for each tunnel, as it undertakes the entire fabrication and assembly in-house.

Engineering and Fabrication Capability

NPEC combines structural engineering, hydraulic design, fabrication, and installation support within its overall project execution process. At times, hydraulic components are selected for unique, dependable operation, while structural elements are mostly designed to withstand the loads associated with the intended application.

 Mock assembly is carried out at the works before dispatch, where required. It helps identify potential assembly issues before the equipment reaches the project site and supports seamless installation. 

  • TBM Support Structures – Reaction Frame, Cradle & D-Frame Fabrication

Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) projects require specialised steel structures and supporting equipment to facilitate safe, controlled tunnelling operations.  NPEC manufactures specialised TBM support structures, including reaction frames, cradles, and D-Frames. We fabricate these structures to project-specific requirements, dimensions, loading conditions, and TBM configurations. 

Our in-house engineering capabilities enable us to coordinate structural design and fabrication for specialised underground construction equipment. 

  • TBM Reaction Frame in India

A TBM reaction frame in India is a structurally engineered assembly that provides the required reaction support during TBM-related operations. The frame should be designed around the expected loads, equipment configuration, tunnel dimensions, and project-specific working conditions. 

NPEC already fabricates TBM reaction frames per the technical requirements provided for each project. Structural design and fabrication are well coordinated to achieve the necessary strength and operational reliability.

  • TBM Cradle Manufacturer India

NPEC manufactures TBM cradle structures used to support and position TBM-related equipment. The TBM cradle can be highly customised to any machine and site requirement. Therefore, NPEC develops and fabricates TBM cradles to meet loading, dimensional, operational clearance, and site-environment requirements. Each cradle is fabricated to precise construction and accuracy for reliable project delivery.

  • TBM D-Frame Manufacturer in India

NPEC certainly provide TBM D-frame fabrication for all sorts of specialised tunnelling applications. A D-Frame is a critical structural component whose design matches the TBM configuration and operational requirements. 

However, as a TBM D-frame manufacturer in India, NPEC develops project-specific designs and fabrication solutions based on engineering drawings, loading requirements, dimensions, and application conditions. Furthermore, our combination of structural engineering and fabrication expertise enables us to manufacture customised D-frames for all kinds of complex tunnelling projects. 

  • TBM D-Frame Manufacturers in Visakhapatnam

With complex infrastructure & underground construction taking place in East and South India, bespoke, precisely fabricated TBM support structures are essential to support TBM operations within the excavation cavity. NPEC assists TBM D-frame fabrication manufacturers in Visakhapatnam with engineered fabrication solutions tailored to each TBM's needs and the project's specifications. 

From structural design coordination to fabrication and quality checks, our entire process focuses on producing reliable structures suitable for demanding tunnelling applications. 

  •  TBM D-Frame Manufacturer in West Bengal

NPEC can also meet the need for a TBM D-Frame manufacturer in West Bengal by offering specialised structure fabrication for TBM construction and underground project work.

The D-Frame structure is engineer-designed, and fabrication services are offered to the required specification parameters, such as dimensions, loading conditions, materials, and equipment design configuration, as required by the project client.

For the specialised construction needs of a TBM structure, NPEC may provide a package offer solution, including design co-ordination, fabrication, erection mock-ups (if necessary), and support on project engineering aspects.

 

Tunnel Membrane Gantry

The tunnel membrane gantry provides working access and support for tunnel waterproofing membrane installation and other associated tunnel lining preparation work.

NPEC can engineer bespoke membrane gantry structures suited to tunnel size, access needs, membrane sequence, and available working space; the system could be engineered to create a rigid platform that enables efficient membrane installation before final concrete lining.

 

Tunnel Gantry & TBM Project Execution done by NPEC

Our extensive tunnel construction experience enables us to design formwork, gantries, and underground support structures for a wide range of tunnelling projects.

The list of tunnel gantries that our team may offer includes:–

  • horseshoe

  • modified horseshoe

  • D-type

  •  bell mouth

  •  cavern

  •  pocket

  • T-junction

  • Y-junction type

Tunnel Gantry in Bhutan

NPEC delivers engineered tunnel gantries for projects in Bhutan, adaptable to support tunnelling in infrastructure, hydropower, road, railway, or other underground construction where special tunnel formwork and support systems are needed.

NPEC can manufacture tunnel gantries in Bhutan with specific adaptations to the required tunnelling profile, lining requirements, excavation method, work sequence, or site conditions, in both hydraulic and mechanical versions. NPEC is positioned to manage all tunnel gantry work through design engineering, manufacturing, and possible test erection; delivery and installation services; and after-sales service, with final design finalisation according to performance requirements. 

Tunnel Ancillary Works and Specialised Structures 

Similarly, we fabricate mechanical and hydraulic formwork for tunnels and underground construction projects as per our clients' design.

The other tunnel ancillary works we execute are:–

  • rock bolts

  • ribs

  •  lattice girder

  •  anchor bolts

  • bearing plates

  •  SN rock bolts

  • Air duct

  • ventilation pipeline works

  • turn buckles

  • screw jack

  • Steel flush doors 

  •  TBM Cradles

  •  TBM Reaction frames

  • TBM Eye seals

Choice that works for you for Tunnel Gantry Manufacture

NPEC works as a one-stop shop, providing services from engineering and fabrication through installation and ongoing support, with an engineering-led approach to fabricating and constructing solutions that meet installation and end-user requirements for continued service delivery.

  •  Delivery cycle times - NPEC ensures a quick delivery cycle, which is crucial for the speedy implementation of critical equipment on any project.

  •  Installation, client operating team training - NPEC technicians support installation and help with proper handover and usage training to the end user.

  • Mock assembly before despatch - To ensure speedy site installation, we may mock-assemble gantries at our work site before final delivery.

  • After-sales support for operational ease - NPEC may support after installation for all your site and user requirements promptly.

  • High-grade hydraulic components - To ensure long life and hassle-free operation, every hydraulic setup includes the best available hydraulic components.

  • Operational safety - Safety features, such as locking arrangements, can be incorporated into the gantries as per the project's design requirements. A double-locking arrangement can also be provided to accommodate extra locking during construction activities. 

Own Hydraulic and structural design capability

Comprehensive structural and hydraulic design capability helps identify the right engineering solution with strong coordination across the system.

Whether for railways, irrigation tunnels, culverts, or NATM excavation and TBM tunnels, NPEC is equipped to develop specific engineering solutions to meet the client’s technical requirements. For all large-format and medium-format formwork and engineered structures for underground civil engineering works, National Power Engineering Company (NPEC) provides tunnel gantries, structural products, and tunnel engineering services.

Tunnel Gantry Systems for Various Underground Projects

Underground construction requirements vary greatly depending on the tunnelling method, tunnel profile, concrete lining, and site environment. NPEC will develop specific tunnel gantries, tunnel formwork & support structures for various purposes in tunnelling:

  • Tunnel engineering

  • Highway tunnels

  • Rail tunnels

  • Powerhouse or Hydroelectric Tunnels

  • Irrigation Tunnels

  • NATM tunnel construction, etc.

Other specific underground engineering applications

From mechanical tunnelling gantries to hydraulic formwork, concreting gantries, reinforcement gantries, membrane gantries, and TBM specialised support structures, NPEC can deliver solutions tailored to your project's specific technical requirements.

Your Comprehensive Tunnel Engineering & Fabrication Partner

NPEC offers comprehensive tunnel engineering and fabrication support to contractors, owners and underground construction firms. Our services begin with design development, including concept design, structural engineering, hydraulic design, and coordination, and continue with fabrication, mock assembly in our facilities before shipment, support during the construction stage of installation and operation through delivery, spare parts, and maintenance services throughout the equipment's lifetime.

With rich experience in diverse tunnel profiles and speciality underground construction, we can manufacture medium and large tunnel gantries and tunnel formwork to meet clients' requirements.

National Power Engineering Company (NPEC) provides tunnelling gantries, hydraulic formwork, mechanical formwork, and other tunnel lining gantries. TBM support system and all other underground special construction facilities for railway tunnel, Highway tunnel, irrigation tunnel, hydroelectric tunnel, NATM construction, culvert and tunnelling-related construction work based on clients' specifications,

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • What is a tunnel gantry?

A Tunnel Gantry is specially engineered equipment, composed of a structure (structural elements) and mechanical means, to support the formwork, facilitating casting and concreting of the lining as well as tunnelling operations. 

  • How do you classify your tunnel gantry size?

We manufacture tunnel gantries ranging from 3.3 meters to 20 meters (tunnel diameter), depending on each project's specifics.

  • Do you have Hydraulic Tunnel Formwork?

Yes, we can customise hydraulic tunnel formwork and hydraulic gantries to the required tunnel shape, lining quality, and construction method, to fit on-site and working conditions.

  • What kinds of tunnel gantries does NPEC make?

We manufacture horseshoe type gantries, modified horseshoe type gantries, D-shape type gantries, bell mouth type gantries, pocket type tunnelling gantries, Y-junction gantries, T-junction gantries, and other types of customised tunnel gantries

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