Abstract: A tunnelling and lining machine has means mounted on it for lining the circular-section tunnel which it excavates with a helical winding of a flexible band, fed from a reel on the structure of the machine by an ejector following a circular path around the longitudinal center axis of the machine. Control of the speed of rotation of the ejector, and of its position along the longitudinal direction of the machine, are provided for so as to allow the turns of the helical winding to be applied at a desired constant relationship irrespective of the speed of excavation. Drive means for positioning the ejector longitudinally and for rotating it may be in common. The ejector expels the band by means of rollers some of which may have the function of giving the band which was flat when stored on the reel, a shaped cross-sectional profile. A reloading drive is provided for the reel.