Grid project Connection Nant de Drance
![](https://swissgrid.imgix.net/content/dam/swissgrid/about-us/newsroom/blog/2020/mini-tunnelier-georgia-header.jpg.hash/42f48c679d4b7b71f1e578d698552d37dbcbef0f?fit=crop&auto=format%2Ccompress%2Ccs%3Dtinysrgb&w=3320&h=1370)
October 2, Swissgrid has begun the drilling operation on the underground extra-high-voltage cable link between the La Bâtiaz substation and Le Verney in Martigny.
Giorgia, the mini-tunnel boring machine sporting the colours of Valais and of Switzerland, was recently lowered into the Verney shaft. Impressive pictures have been taken.
Over the next 8 months, the heavyweight of 60 tonnes will be boring a tunnel between Le Verney and the substation in La Bâtiaz. No workers will be present in the tunnel during the drilling. The mini-tunnelling machine will be entirely controlled from the control station at the Verney site.
Construction of the La Bâtiaz - Le Verney underground cable link will take two years. The 1.2-kilometre underground cable link is scheduled to be commissioned in 2022.