Bullet Train Project Achieves Second Mountain Tunnel Breakthrough in Palghar: Ashwini Vaishnaw

The project is expected to significantly boost economic activity along the corridor, facilitate technology and knowledge transfer, and support the emergence of new industrial and IT hubs.

Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, today announced a major engineering milestone in the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project with the breakthrough of the second mountain tunnel in Palghar district, Maharashtra.

The newly completed tunnel, Mountain Tunnel-6 (MT-6), is 454 metres long and 14.4 metres wide, designed to accommodate both up and down tracks for high-speed rail operations. This marks the second mountain tunnel breakthrough in Palghar within one month, following the completion of MT-5 near Saphale on January 2, 2026.

Engineering Milestone Using Advanced Tunnelling Technology

The MT-6 tunnel was excavated simultaneously from both ends using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), a drill-and-controlled blast technique suited for complex geological conditions. The excavation was completed within 12 months, demonstrating the pace and precision of construction.

A tunnel breakthrough represents a critical engineering achievement, occurring when excavation teams digging from opposite ends meet at the centre, creating a continuous passage through the mountain.

NATM has been adopted in Palghar due to its flexibility in variable geology and irregular tunnel shapes, where tunnel boring machines are less effective. The method allows real-time adaptation using techniques such as shotcreting, rock bolts and lattice girders, without the need for extremely heavy machinery.

Minister Highlights Indigenous Technology and Project Timelines

Congratulating the high-speed rail project team, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said the pace of execution has instilled new confidence across the country. He noted that the Bullet Train Project is attracting global attention for its engineering innovations and use of advanced construction technologies.

The Minister highlighted that many of the large machines and advanced technologies being deployed are manufactured in India, reflecting growing domestic capabilities under the Make in India initiative.

Providing an update on project timelines, Shri Vaishnaw stated that:

• The Gujarat section of the bullet train corridor is expected to begin commercial operations next year

• High-speed rail services are likely to extend up to Thane by 2028

• The corridor is expected to reach Mumbai by 2029

Local Leadership Highlights Regional Development

Dr. Hemant Vishnu Savara, Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Palghar, was present at the occasion and expressed gratitude to the Union Minister for the tunnel breakthrough in the district.

He highlighted Palghar’s rapid development through major railway and infrastructure projects, including the high-speed rail corridor, the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), and the upcoming Vadhvan Port. He noted that railway investments in Maharashtra have increased significantly since 2014, resulting in faster project execution and improved services.

Safety Measures and Construction Progress in Maharashtra

Worker safety during tunnelling operations was ensured through geotechnical instruments, real-time monitoring systems, efficient fire safety arrangements, proper ventilation, and controlled access protocols.

Construction activities in Maharashtra are progressing rapidly on multiple fronts. Key developments include:

• The longest river bridge of the project over the Vaitarna River, which has reached pier level

• Foundation works on major rivers such as Ulhas and Jagani

• Rapid progress on all four stations in Maharashtra

• Construction of major crossings over national and state highways using long-span steel bridges

• Work on a 21-kilometre underground tunnel between Bandra Kurla Complex and Shilphata

A total of seven mountain tunnels are currently under construction in Palghar district. Their progress status is as follows:

Mountain Tunnel	Length (km)	Completion Status	Remarks
MT-1	0.820	16%	—
MT-2	0.228	Preparatory works underway	—
MT-3	1.403	41%	—
MT-4	1.260	32%	—
MT-5	1.480	57%	Breakthrough achieved on 02 Jan 2026
MT-6	0.454	47%	Breakthrough achieved today
MT-7	0.417	29%	—

Corridor Overview and National Significance

The 508-kilometre MAHSR corridor spans 352 km across Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and 156 km in Maharashtra. It will connect major cities including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane and Mumbai.

The project is expected to significantly boost economic activity along the corridor, facilitate technology and knowledge transfer, and support the emergence of new industrial and IT hubs.

As of January 27, 2026, construction milestones achieved include:

• 334 km of viaducts completed

• 17 river bridges completed

• 12 major crossings over national highways, railways and other infrastructure completed

Track laying and electrification works have gathered momentum in the Gujarat section, signalling steady progress toward operational readiness.

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project represents a transformative leap in India’s transportation infrastructure, combining speed, safety, sustainability and indigenous technological capability to redefine long-distance travel in the country.