India’s equipment-manufacturing proposal and a TBM development collaboration predate China’s new export controls, and Reuters reported Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal would prioritize local production if supplies are restricted.
Goyal also told Reuters, “Our ties with China are good and will improve in the absence of new obstacles.” His production comment was conditional on a possible supply restriction.
India’s policy background is broader than a TBM-specific production program. The 2026-27 Union Budget proposed a Scheme for Enhancement of Construction and Infrastructure Equipment to encourage domestic manufacturing of high-value equipment. It identified tunnel-boring equipment for metro and high-altitude road projects as part of that effort, without specifying a TBM-only allocation.
Separately, state-owned BEML and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) signed a memorandum of understanding in April to work toward developing indigenous TBMs. A government release described joint development as the aim but gave no production timetable or expected volume. The proposal and agreement do not establish current domestic production capacity.
China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and General Administration of Customs (GAC) issued Announcement No. 50 on Oct. 19. It covers specified full-face tunnel-boring machines, including earth-pressure-balance, slurry and rock-boring models, as well as designated components such as cutterheads, screw conveyors, segment erectors and main-drive systems. Related remanufacturing technology is also covered.
For destinations China considers sensitive amid disputes, exporters must obtain a license for covered shipments. For other destinations, exporters register shipment information to seek an export certificate. Exporters and end users must also commit not to transfer controlled Chinese-origin items to disputed destinations without permission. The notice does not identify India’s status or say exports there will be denied. The ministry says the controls concern items with potential civilian and military uses, and that permit applications meeting its requirements will be approved. EconoTimes previously detailed the export procedures for tunnel-boring equipment.
The controls are scheduled to take effect Nov. 18, 2026.
