Bullet train project achieves first mountain tunnel breakthrough in Maharashtra

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train project has achieved an important milestone with the completion of its first mountain tunnel in Maharashtra. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the breakthrough of the second tunnel in Palghar district on Friday, calling it a key step in the progress of the high-speed rail project.

The tunnel, known as MT-5, is around 1.5 km long and is located between the Virar and Boisar bullet train stations. It is one of the longest mountain tunnels in Palghar district. The tunnel was excavated from both ends and completed in about 18 months.

Officials said the tunnel was built using the drill and blast method. This modern technique allows engineers to closely monitor ground conditions during excavation. Based on the site situation, safety systems such as shotcrete, rock bolts and steel girders were installed. Authorities added that all safety norms were strictly followed, including proper ventilation, fire safety measures, and safe entry and exit arrangements for workers.

Project includes 27.4 km of tunnels

Earlier, the first underground tunnel of nearly 5 km between Thane and the Bandra Kurla Complex was completed in September 2025. The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project has a total length of 508 km. Of this, 352 km falls in Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, while 156 km lies in Maharashtra. The project includes 27.4 km of tunnels, including 21 km of underground tunnels and 6.4 km of surface tunnels.

There are eight mountain tunnels in the project. Seven of them are in Maharashtra, with a combined length of about 6 km. Work is ongoing on other tunnels, with different stages of physical progress reported across sites.

Creating more employments

The Railway Minister said the bullet train project is creating large-scale employment and will generate more jobs during operations. Once completed, travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will reduce to just 1 hour and 58 minutes.

He added that the project will boost economic activity along the corridor, support new industrial and IT hubs, and help connect major commercial cities. The bullet train is also expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 95 percent compared to road transport, making it a cleaner and more sustainable travel option.