Bullet Train Project Hits Major Milestone in Maharashtra

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor in Maharashtra's Palghar has reached a significant milestone with its first mountain tunnel breakthrough. This milestone, celebrated recently, is part of an ambitious project designed to connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad with high-speed rail. The breakthrough of Mountain Tunnel No. 5 (MT-5) is a critical step, showcasing the advanced engineering techniques employed in the construction.

Mountain Tunnel No. 5 spans 1.5 kilometers and is the longest mountain tunnel in the project. Currently, it is approximately 55% complete, and this achievement comes as a result of diligent work and innovative methods. The total bullet train project covers 508 kilometers, with 27.4 kilometers dedicated to various tunnels, including both underground and surface tunnels.

The completion of MT-5 took 18 months and utilized the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM). This method is particularly effective in areas with uneven rock formations, allowing for precise excavation through a combination of drilling and blasting. This breakthrough is not just a technical achievement but also a symbol of progress in India's transportation infrastructure.

Previously, another significant breakthrough was achieved in September 2025 with a 4.88-km underground tunnel between Ghansoli and Shilphata. This tunnel is part of a larger 21-km segment linking Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Shilphata, which includes an undersea section beneath Thane Creek.

Currently, work is ongoing across all tunnels involved in the project. In addition to MT-5, Mountain Tunnel No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 are also in various stages of construction, reflecting the project's expansive scope. With a total estimated cost of Rs 1.08 lakh crore, the project aims to revolutionize rail travel in India.

As of now, the overall physical progress of the project stands at 55.63%, with financial progress at 69.62%. Major construction milestones have been achieved, including significant foundation work, piers, and girder-casting operations. The first operational section from Surat to Bilimora in Gujarat is anticipated to be ready by August 15, 2027, while the entire project is projected for completion by December 2029.

The foundation stone for this monumental project was laid in September 2017, and it is set to change the dynamics of travel between two of India's most significant urban centers.