Palghar Breakthrough: The Bullet Train Just Got Closer

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train project has achieved a major milestone with the completion of its second mountain tunnel in Palghar district, Maharashtra.

Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the successful breakthrough of the 454-metre-long Mountain Tunnel-6 (MT-6), marking steady progress on India’s first high-speed rail corridor. The tunnel, measuring 14.4 metres in width and designed to accommodate both up and down tracks, was excavated using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), which is well suited for complex geological conditions. The excavation was completed in just 12 months.

Minister Vaishnaw commended the pace of construction, stating that it has “instilled new confidence in the country,” and noted that the use of advanced construction technologies at the site is drawing global attention. He also highlighted the role of domestically manufactured heavy machinery and indigenous technologies in the project.

The Gujarat section of the bullet train corridor is expected to commence operations next year, while the full Mumbai–Ahmedabad connection is targeted for completion by 2029.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.