The Australian Tunnelling Society (ATS) is thrilled to throw our support behind the two ATS members – Arjun Raja Shivasami and Russell Connors – who have been named finalists in this year’s ITA Young Tunneller of the Year Award

This Award recognises an individual who is 35 years old or younger who has made an active contribution to the tunnelling industry. Only five finalists have been named in this global competition, the winner of which will be announced at the Tunnelling Asia Conference 2023 in Mumbai, India on 24 November. The judges will look for evidence of the individual’s:

  • Ability to drive their team, project or business to technical or commercial success;
  • Ability to deliver beyond the client’s expectation;
  • Personal commitment to improving the tunnelling industry; and
  • Positive contribution to the environment in which they operate.

The first finalist, Arjun Raja Shivasami, started his tunnelling career over a decade ago and has worked as a designer and manager on several key projects in the Middle East, India, Australia and New Zealand.

“I have been part of some important underground megaprojects – like Chennai Metro Rail, Delhi Metro Rail, Doha Rail, Riyadh Metro, and am currently the Design Manager for the Eastern Tunnelling Package Sydney Metro West and the Tunnels Discipline Lead for Sydney Metro West Technical Partner,” Arjun says.

A chartered professional in civil, structural and geotechnical engineering, Arjun is currently working as a Principal Tunnel Engineer for Mott MacDonald and is thrilled to have been chosen as a finalist for the Award. He says that while overjoyed with this recognition, it also comes with a strong sense of responsibility.

“The tunnelling industry has contributed so much to my career development, that I am keen to repay this in kind. I’m actively involved in the subcommittees of the ATS, for example, and I’m also a member of the ITA’s Working Group 22: Information Modelling in Tunnelling,” he explains.

“Additionally, at Mott MacDonald I have the privilege of serving as the global lead for early career professionals within tunnels practice.”

Incredibly passionate about driving innovation through digital initiatives and streamlining design processes with automation, Arjun has authored technical papers (published at WTC2023 and ATC2023) and is currently working on additional publications that will be accessible at WTC2024.

“I have consistently harboured a fervent interest in the intricate engineering required in tunnel design, which necessitates a combination of technical proficiency and creative ingenuity,” he says.

“This industry also has the power to establish accessible and sustainable landscapes that foster eco-friendliness while also promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources for the benefit of future generations.”

Working in Australia is a dream come true for Arjun, who says the tunnelling industry here is on par with global standards.

“It’s a great privilege to work in this country and I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Mott MacDonald for providing me with excellent opportunities to showcase my talents,” Arjun continues.

“Additionally, I would like to extend my gratitude to the ATS for the fantastic networking opportunities that enable me to collaborate with peers to achieve greater goals. Last, but not least, I want to sincerely thank my family who have supported me in my career development.”

The second Australian finalist, Russell Connors, is a Senior Project Engineer with Acciona and has been involved in tunnelling since 2010. He says he is humbled to have made the final five.

“I feel a sense of pride in my accomplishments and renewed vigour in my dedication to promote the tunnelling industry. To be up there with the other finalists, whom all have impressive backgrounds, is nothing short of amazing,” he says.

Much of Russell’s experience has been working with the main contractor for the planning and execution of soft and mixed ground tunnelling works in dense urban environments across Australia and Singapore. This includes Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), Slurry Shield TBMs and a lot of hyperbaric works (work in compressed air), often in very difficult ground conditions.

Most recently, and “for a bit of a change,” Russell got involved in delivering the Adelaide Street Mined Tunnel as part of the Brisbane Metro Project. This involves bespoke sequential excavation methods and sprayed concrete linings to safely deliver the works.

Russell says the Australian industry is one of the best in the world to work in and having “fallen into” tunnelling as a career, can’t see himself doing anything else for the foreseeable future.

“Tunnelling has been on the move in Australia for quite some time. This only exemplifies the knowledge and expertise already within the community. With the pipeline of work across the country, the tunnelling industry will continue to grow and so, too, will the opportunity for the next generation of young tunnellers to seek out new challenges and make their mark,” he says.

Russell credits the varied and unique challenges that come with each job site as part of the reason he enjoys tunnelling so much, but says the people are also a key reason he has stuck with tunnelling.

“I have worked alongside people from all backgrounds and cultures of which I have very fond memories and made lifelong friends,” he says.

“The industry is demanding but I’m grateful for the wonderful support from my colleagues over the years (they know who they are), and I’d also like to extend a special mention to my lovely wife Hannah who has stood by me throughout, and even had to put up with the 2am phone calls from the jobsite!”

In addition to Arjun and Russell, it is fantastic to see a third finalist, Massimiliano Terenzi, while hailing from Italy, is currently working as the Tunnel Manager of the Western Sydney Airport Project in Sydney.

This is yet further evidence of Australia’s global tunnelling prowess according to Brodie Aitchison, ATS Young Member Chair:

“It’s very encouraging to see two out of the five finalists for the Young Tunneller of the Year are Aussies and members of the ATS. Even more so considering that Massimiliano is based in Sydney too. Clearly, we have some very talented young tunnellers here and I wish them all the best at the awards in November,” he says.