Global Tunnel Boring Machine Market: Analysis by Type (Hard Rock Tunnel Boring Machine, Soft Rock Tunnel Boring Machine and Heterogeneous Ground Tunnel Boring Machine), Application (Transport, Mining, Oil & Gas, Utilities and Others), By Region Size and T

A Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is a sophisticated and highly engineered machine used to excavate tunnels through a variety of subsurface conditions, ranging from hard rock to soft ground and everything in between. Unlike traditional drill-and-blast methods, TBMs offer a more continuous and often faster excavation process, with reduced ground disturbance and improved safety, making them essential for a wide range of infrastructure projects including metro systems, railway tunnels, water conveyance tunnels, and utility tunnels. The global tunnel boring machine market value in 2024 stood at US$7.36 billion, and is projected to reach US$9.79 billion by 2030.

The global tunnel boring machine market is primarily driven by the escalating demand for advanced underground infrastructure necessitated by rapid urbanization and growing populations worldwide. This fuels the need for efficient transportation networks like metro systems and high-speed railways, as well as essential utility tunnels. Supportive government investments in infrastructure projects, coupled with the technological advancements in TBMs that enhance their speed, safety, and efficiency, further propel market growth. Moreover, the increasing focus on minimizing surface disruption and environmental impact in densely populated areas makes TBMs a preferred solution for various tunneling applications. The global tunnel boring machine market value is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.87%, during the forecast period of 2025-2030.


Market Segmentation Analysis:


By Type: According to the report, based on type, the global tunnel boring machine market can be divided into three segments: hard rock tunnel boring machine, soft rock tunnel boring machine and heterogeneous ground tunnel boring machine. Hard rock tunnel boring machine market segment is further segmented as Shielded TBMs and Open Type TBMs, and soft rock tunnel boring machine segment is segmented as Slurry Shield TBMs, Earth pressure balance TBMs, Open Face Type TBMs and Others. Hard rock tunnel boring machine segment acquired majority of share in the market in 2024 due to the extensive use of these machines in large-scale infrastructure projects such as railway and road tunnels, which often encounter hard rock formations. The sheer volume and scale of these projects globally have historically driven the demand for hard rock TBMs. However, the soft rock tunnel boring machine segment is anticipated to grow the fastest during the forecasted period because of increasing urbanization and the subsequent need for efficient and less disruptive underground construction in densely populated areas. Soft ground conditions are prevalent in many urban environments, making soft rock TBMs, particularly Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) and Slurry Shield machines, crucial for metro systems, utility tunnels, and other infrastructure developments in these regions. Their ability to handle unconsolidated soils and minimize surface disruption makes them ideal for the growing number of underground projects in expanding cities worldwide.


By Application: According to the report, the global tunnel boring machine market is bifurcated into five types of applications: transport, mining, oil & gas, utilities and others. Transport segment acquired the majority share in the global tunnel boring machine market in 2024 and is projected to be the fastest-growing application. This is primarily because of the massive investments governments worldwide are making in transportation infrastructure. The demand for efficient and high-capacity transit systems, including metro networks, high-speed railways, and road tunnels, is surging to connect urban centers, facilitate trade, and improve overall mobility. Tunnel boring machines offer a faster, safer, and often more cost-effective solution for creating these vital transportation links, especially in challenging geological conditions or densely populated areas where minimizing surface disruption is crucial. This continuous focus on enhancing transportation infrastructure globally is fueling both the current market share and the rapid growth of the TBM market within the transport sector.


By Region: The report provides insight into the tunnel boring machine market based on the geographical operations, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific tunnel boring machine market enjoyed the highest market share in 2024 and is expected to see the most rapid growth due to significant urbanization and population expansion driving substantial investments in infrastructure, particularly in metro and high-speed rail systems. Supportive government policies and the necessity for efficient underground construction in densely populated areas further boost this demand. Moreover, the Asia Pacific region is witnessing rapid advancements and adoption of cutting-edge TBM technologies. Innovations in areas such as AI-powered automation for enhanced operational efficiency, sophisticated real-time geological mapping for improved safety and accuracy, and remote monitoring systems for proactive maintenance are making TBMs an even more compelling choice for tackling complex and challenging tunneling projects. Beyond transportation, the growing mining sector in certain parts of the region also contributes to the demand for TBMs for creating essential access tunnels and underground infrastructure.


Global Tunnel boring Machine Market Dynamics:


Growth Drivers: One of the most significant factors propelling the growth of the global tunnel boring machine market is the escalating need for advanced and efficient underground infrastructure to support increasing urbanization and population growth worldwide. As cities expand and populations concentrate, the demand for robust transportation networks, including metro systems and high-speed railways, as well as essential utilities like water and sewage tunnels, intensifies. TBMs offer a compelling solution for creating this underground infrastructure with greater speed, accuracy, and reduced surface disruption compared to traditional methods, making them indispensable for modern urban development and driving their market growth. Other factors driving the growth of global tunnel boring machine market include rising mining activities, growing demand for efficient transportation connectivity, increasing demand for water management systems, increased government investments in infrastructure etc.


Challenges: One significant challenge faced by the global tunnel boring machine market is the high initial investment and operational costs associated with these sophisticated pieces of machinery. TBMs are extremely large, complex, and often customized for specific geological conditions and project requirements, leading to substantial upfront capital expenditure. Furthermore, the costs associated with their transportation, assembly, operation, maintenance, and the need for specialized personnel contribute to the overall high expenses. This financial barrier can limit the adoption of TBM technology, particularly for smaller construction companies or projects with budget constraints, potentially hindering market growth despite the numerous advantages TBMs offer in terms of efficiency and safety.


Trends: One major trend poised to further accelerate the growth of the tunnel boring machine market is the continuous advancement and integration of smart technologies. This includes the increasing incorporation of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and sophisticated data analytics into TBM operations. These technologies enhance efficiency by optimizing drilling parameters in real-time based on geological conditions, improving navigation accuracy, enabling predictive maintenance to reduce downtime, and even paving the way for autonomous TBM operation. As these smart solutions mature and become more widely adopted, they will significantly improve the productivity, safety, and cost-effectiveness of tunneling projects, making TBMs an even more attractive option for a broader range of underground infrastructure developments. The market is also projected to grow at a fast pace during the forecast period, due to various other latest trends such as Advancements in Cutting Technology, Development of Multi-Mode and Adaptive TBMs, Sustainable Tunneling Solutions, Micro-tunneling and Small-Diameter TBMs etc.


Competitive Landscape and Recent Developments:

The global tunnel boring machine market is moderately fragmented, with a mix of large multinational corporations and regional players competing in different segments. While major global companies like CREC, Herrenknecht, and CRCHI are generally considered to hold significant portions of the global market, there are also numerous small and mid-sized manufacturers catering to regional demands and niche applications.


Key players of global tunnel boring machine market are:

Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.
Herrenknecht AG
The Robbins Company
TERRATEC Ltd.
Hitachi Zosen Sakai Works
Komatsu Ltd.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
China Railway Construction Heavy Industry (CRCHI)
IHI Corporation
Sika Ag
Liaoning Censcience Industry Co. Ltd.
Qinhuangdao Tianye Tolian Heavy Industry & Technology Co. Ltd.

The key players are constantly investing in strategic initiatives, such as adoption of new technologies, introducing their products to emerging markets and more, to maintain a competitive edge in this market. For instance, On December 20, 2024, Herrenknecht AG announced that the company will supply two Mixshield tunnel boring machines (TBMs), each with a diameter of 15.62 meters, making them the largest TBMs in India for the construction of the Versova-Dahisar road in Mumbai.

Global Tunnel Boring Machine Market: Analysis by Type (Hard Rock Tunnel Boring Machine, Soft Rock Tunnel Boring Machine and Heterogeneous Ground Tunnel Boring Machine), Application (Transport, Mining, Oil & Gas, Utilities and Others), By Region Size and Trends with Forecast up to 2030 - Report Summary

Report Metrics	Details
Years Considered	2020-2024
Base Year	2024
Forecast Period	2025-2030
Page Count	157
Units Referenced	US $
Segments/Key Topics	By Type, By Application
Regions Covered	Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea and Rest of Asia Pacific), North America (The US, Canada, Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Rest of Europe), , Latin America and Middle East & Africa
Key Companies Mentioned	Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Herrenknecht AG, The Robbins Company, TERRATEC Ltd., Hitachi Zosen Sakai Works, Komatsu Ltd., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., China Railway Construction Heavy Industry (CRCHI), IHI Corporation, Sika Ag, Liaoning Censcience Industry Co., Ltd. and Qinhuangdao Tianye Tolian Heavy Industry & Technology Co., Ltd. etc.

Five FAQs about the Report

What is the size of this market?
The global tunnel boring machine market in 2024 was valued at US$7.36 billion.

What is the forecasted growth for this market?
The market is expected to reach US$9.79 billion by 2030. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.87% during the forecast period of 2025-2030.

What are key factors driving this market?
The global tunnel boring machine market is primarily driven by the escalating demand for advanced underground infrastructure necessitated by rapid urbanization and growing populations worldwide. This fuels the need for efficient transportation networks like metro systems and high-speed railways, as well as essential utility tunnels. Supportive government investments in infrastructure projects, coupled with the technological advancements in TBMs that enhance their speed, safety, and efficiency, further propel market growth. Moreover, the increasing focus on minimizing surface disruption and environmental impact in densely populated areas makes TBMs a preferred solution for various tunneling applications.

How is this market segmented in this report?
Global tunnel boring machine market can be segmented based on type (hard rock tunnel boring machine, soft rock tunnel boring machine and heterogeneous ground tunnel boring machine) and application (transport, mining, oil & gas, utilities and others).

What is the definition of this market in this report?
A Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is a sophisticated and highly engineered machine used to excavate tunnels through a variety of subsurface conditions, ranging from hard rock to soft ground and everything in between. Unlike traditional drill-and-blast methods, TBMs offer a more continuous and often faster excavation process, with reduced ground disturbance and improved safety, making them essential for a wide range of infrastructure projects including metro systems, railway tunnels, water conveyance tunnels, and utility tunnels.

What are the major influences driving the growth/decline of this market?
Global tunnel boring machine market is expected to grow owing to rising smart city projects, adoption of IoT and Smart Monitoring Systems, Increased Automation and AI Integration, Advancements in Cutting Technology, Development of Multi-Mode and Adaptive TBMs, Sustainable Tunneling Solutions, Micro-tunneling and Small-Diameter TBMs etc., yet the market faces some challenges, such as high initial investment costs and operating costs, geological and environmental limitations etc.