Mumbai: The Union government achieved a second mountain tunnel breakthrough for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project in Palghar district of Maharashtra, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Monday.
The breakthrough involved Mountain Tunnel-6, which spans 454 metres in length and 14.4 metres in width. The tunnel will carry both up and down tracks for the high-speed rail corridor. This marked the second such breakthrough in Palghar within one month.
Earlier, engineers completed the breakthrough of Mountain Tunnel-5 near Saphale on January 2, 2026. Officials said the pace reflected steady progress in challenging terrain along the Maharashtra stretch.
Engineers excavated Tunnel-6 from both ends using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method. The technique uses controlled drilling and blasting and allows real-time adaptation to geological conditions. The excavation process concluded within 12 months.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated the high-speed rail team for the achievement. He said the project had gained global attention for its use of advanced construction technology. He also noted that many large machines used in the project were manufactured in India.
Bullet train tunnel work advances across Maharashtra stretch
The minister said the Gujarat section of the bullet train project was expected to begin commercial operations next year. He added that services would extend up to Thane by 2028 and reach Mumbai by 2029.
In Palghar district, work is underway on seven mountain tunnels. Of these, two tunnels have achieved breakthroughs, while others remain at various stages of completion. Construction is also progressing on river bridges, stations and highway crossings.
Officials said the project’s longest river bridge on the Vaitarna has reached pier level. Foundation work is ongoing on the Ulhas and Jagani rivers. Crews are also working on a 21-kilometre tunnel between Bandra Kurla Complex and Shilphata.
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor spans about 508 kilometres. It covers 352 kilometres in Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and 156 kilometres in Maharashtra. The corridor will connect major cities including Ahmedabad, Surat, Vapi, Virar, Thane and Mumbai.
As of January 27, 2026, authorities completed around 334 kilometres of viaducts, 17 river bridges and 12 major crossings. Track laying and electrification work has accelerated in the Gujarat section.
Bullet Train Project achieves another milestone.
2nd tunnel breakthrough in Palghar within a month.📍 Palghar, Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/uv3QEsXvjp
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) February 3, 2026
