The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor has crossed another major milestone with the successful breakthrough of Mountain Tunnel-6, a 454-metre-long tunnel in Palghar district, Maharashtra. The achievement comes barely a month after the first mountain tunnel breakthrough, highlighting the rapid progress of India’s ambitious bullet train project.
The tunnel, located between the Virar and Boisar stations, was constructed using Japanese Shinkansen technology along with the advanced flexible drill-and-blast method, ensuring precision and safety in challenging terrain. The Palghar stretch includes seven mountain tunnels, all of which are critical for maintaining the corridor’s high-speed alignment through the hilly region.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw lauded the engineers, workers, and officials involved, praising the pace and quality of construction. He noted that tunnelling, along with the construction of viaducts, bridges, and other key infrastructure, is progressing swiftly across the corridor.
According to the latest projections, commercial operations in Gujarat are expected to begin by 2027. Services are likely to be extended to Thane by 2028, with Mumbai expected to be connected by 2029, marking a transformative leap in intercity travel.
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project, India’s first high-speed rail corridor, is designed to significantly reduce travel time while setting new benchmarks in railway safety, comfort, and technology. With each tunnel breakthrough, the project moves closer to redefining long-distance travel in the country.