India's First Bullet Train Project achieves Second Mountain Tunnel Breakthrough in Palghar

Palghar, India (Metro Rail Today): The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project achieved another major engineering milestone with the breakthrough of the second mountain tunnel (MT-6) in Palghar district, Maharashtra, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Tuesday.

The newly completed tunnel, 454 metres long and 14.4 metres wide, has been designed to accommodate both up and down tracks of the Bullet Train corridor. This marks the second mountain tunnel breakthrough in Palghar within a month, following the completion of MT-5 near Saphale on 2 January 2026.

Advanced Tunnelling Technology

Mountain Tunnel-6 was excavated simultaneously from both ends using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM)—a controlled drill-and-blast technique well suited to complex geological conditions such as those found in Palghar. The excavation was completed in just 12 months.

A tunnel breakthrough represents a critical engineering milestone, achieved when excavation teams meet at the centre of the tunnel, creating a continuous passage through the mountain.

NATM enables real-time design adaptation using shotcrete, rock bolts, and lattice girders, without the need for extremely heavy machinery. The method also allows flexible responses to varying rock conditions, making it ideal for irregular tunnel profiles.

Congratulating the project team, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said the pace of construction has instilled new national confidence in India’s high-speed rail ambitions.

“The Bullet Train project is drawing global appreciation for its engineering innovations. Many advanced construction technologies and large machines being used are being manufactured in India, reflecting the strength of our domestic capabilities,” the Minister said.

He added that commercial operations on the Gujarat section are expected to begin next year, with high-speed rail services extending up to Thane by 2028 and reaching Mumbai by 2029.

Regional Development Boost

Dr. Hemant Vishnu Savara, Member of Parliament from Palghar, was present at the event and highlighted the district’s rapid infrastructure growth through projects such as the Bullet Train corridor, Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), and the upcoming Vadhvan Port.

He noted that railway investments in Maharashtra have increased significantly since 2014, leading to faster execution and improved services.

Safety and Monitoring

Worker safety during tunnelling operations was ensured through:

• Real-time geotechnical monitoring

• Advanced ventilation and fire safety systems

• Controlled access protocols

• Continuous instrumentation and supervision

Mountain Tunnel Progress in Palghar

A total of seven mountain tunnels are under construction in Palghar district.

Overall Project Progress

The 508-km MAHSR corridor spans:

• 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli

• 156 km in Maharashtra

It will connect major cities including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane, and Mumbai.

As of 27 January 2026, the project has completed:

• 334 km of viaducts

• 17 river bridges

• 12 major crossings over highways, railways, and utilities

Track laying and electrification works are progressing rapidly, particularly in the Gujarat section.

Once operational, the Bullet Train project is expected to transform intercity travel, stimulate economic growth, and support the development of new industrial and technology hubs along the corridor.