The International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA) is pleased to announce the finalists for the ITA Tunnelling Awards 2026, recognising outstanding achievements in underground infrastructure, engineering excellence, innovation and emerging talent from around the world.
This year’s finalists represent 29 outstanding projects and individuals from 17 countries and regions, showcasing the diversity, technical excellence and innovation that continue to advance the tunnelling and underground space industry.
The finalists have been selected across eight award categories:
Major Project of the Year (more than €500 million) |
|
| Beijing East Sixth Ring Road Tunnel | China |
| GTX-A Metropolitan Express Railway Deep Tunnel Project between Unjeong–Samsung station in South Korea | South Korea |
| HS2 MWCC C1 Chiltern Tunnels and Shafts | United Kingdom |
| Riyadh Metro Lines 1 & 2: Underground Backbone of the World’s Longest Driverless Metro | Saudi Arabia |
Project of the Year (between €100-€500 million) |
|
| Inter-Terminal Bored Tunnels (ITBT) – Changi Airport, Singapore | Singapore |
| Monsanto-Santa Apolónia Tunnel from Lisbon Drainage Master Plan – «Invisible» works to protect the city against floods – a sustainability project | Portugal |
| Relocation of Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to Caverns – Main Caverns Construction | Hong Kong, China |
Project of the Year (up to €100 million) |
|
| Design and build of Lisbon Metropolitan Underground extension – Circular Line Lot 1 between Rato Station and Santos Station | Portugal |
| Design and Construction of the Lisbon Metro Circular Line Extension – Lot 2 (Santos–Cais do Sodré) | Portugal |
| Novaliches – Balara Aqueduct 4 (NBAQ4) | Philippines |
| OLLACHEA TUNNEL | Peru |
Rehabilitation, Upgrading and Re-purposing Projects |
|
| Howard Street Tunnel | United States of America |
| The Beverentunnel renovation: where technology meets ecology and tunnel safety | Belgium |
| Total renovation of the 50-year-old Kennedy Railway Tunnel in Antwerp as part of combined road and railway tunnel | Belgium |
Technical Innovation of the year |
|
| A World-First TBM-Excavated Spiral Ramp in Hard Granite for Radioactive Waste Disposal | China |
| Automated Primary Supports for Tunneling Under Tectonic Stresses and Severe Squeezing: Design and Implementation at Terzo Valico dei Giovi | Italy |
| Complete Equipment and Construction Technology for Vertical Excavation of Ultra-Large-Diameter Prefabricated Shafts | China |
| Key Technologies for Shield Cutting and Crossing Reinforced Concrete Diaphragm Walls of Operating Subway Stations | China |
Product/Equipment Innovation of the Year |
|
| AI-powered High-precision Robot for Installing Arc-shaped Bottom Box Culverts in Shield Tunnels | China |
| TBM integrated sensing equipment | China |
| The Cube System – an Ultra Low Headroom Diaphragm Wall Machine | Belgium |
| TPC Group Server, Drive Map and Tunnelytics | Germany |
| Use of Precast Lining and Automated Lining Erector Machine in Mined Tunnels | Australia |
Elevated Thinking Underground: Shaping the Future |
|
| Elevating Energy Viability: Sustainable LPG Storage in Engineered Rock Caverns | India |
| HIPOGEO SANTIAGO BERNABEU STADIUM | Spain |
| Planning and Construction of the «#» Shaped Underground Road System in Shanghai CBD Core Area | China |
Young Tunneller of the Year |
|
| Gabriel Lehmann | Germany |
| Wojciech Mleczko | Poland |
| Xu chen | China |
This year’s shortlist reflects the breadth of expertise across the global tunnelling community, from major transport and water infrastructure projects to pioneering technical innovations, cutting-edge equipment and inspiring young professionals. China leads the shortlist with eight finalists, followed by Portugal and Belgium with three finalists each, demonstrating the international reach and excellence of the awards.
The winners of the ITA Tunnelling Awards 2026 will be announced during the Awards ceremony, celebrating the projects, technologies and individuals that are shaping the future of underground space.
Congratulations to all finalists, and thank you for your contribution to advancing the tunnelling and underground construction industry worldwide.
