Mumbai – India’s first bullet train project has hit a fresh high. Workers have successfully completed the breakthrough of the second mountain tunnel in Palghar district, Maharashtra. This 454-metre-long tunnel, called Mountain Tunnel-6 (MT-6), now connects the sections between Virar and Boisar stations. The breakthrough happened around 11:30 am today, marking the second such success in Palghar within just one month.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the good news and praised the team. He said the project is moving at a good speed and the whole world is watching India’s first high-speed rail. He also noted that many new machines and technologies used here are now being made in India.
This tunnel is 14.4 metres wide and will carry both the up and down tracks of the bullet train. It was dug from both ends using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). This method uses controlled drilling and blasting, which works well in the rocky and uneven ground of Palghar. The entire excavation took about 12 months.
Why This Breakthrough Matters
A tunnel breakthrough is a proud moment for engineers. Teams start digging from two sides of the mountain and meet exactly in the middle. Even a small mistake can cause problems, but here the alignment was perfect. This shows the high quality of work and the safety measures taken.
Palghar has seven mountain tunnels in total. MT-6 is the shortest among them, but finishing it quickly is still a big achievement. The first breakthrough in Palghar came on January 2, 2026, when MT-5 (1.48 km long) was completed. Before that, in September 2025, workers finished a 5-km underground tunnel between Thane and Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai.
How the Tunnel Was Built
The NATM method is flexible. Workers drill holes, put explosives, blast carefully, and then support the tunnel walls with shotcrete (special concrete), rock bolts, and steel girders. This allows real-time changes based on the rock condition. Safety was top priority – geotechnical instruments monitored the ground, ventilation was strong, fire safety was in place, and only limited people entered at a time.
The tunnel passes through hills near Saphale village. Palghar MP Hemant Savara joined the event virtually and thanked the minister. He said Palghar is growing fast with the bullet train, Dedicated Freight Corridor, and the upcoming Vadhvan Port.
Full Picture of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project
The bullet train corridor is 508 km long. It starts at an underground station in BKC, Mumbai, and ends at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad. There will be 12 stations: Mumbai (BKC), Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati.
Trains will run at 320 km/h and cover the distance in just 2 hours 7 minutes (with stops at Surat, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad). Without stops, it will take even less time.
About 90% of the track will be on elevated viaducts. There are also 8 mountain tunnels (7 in Palghar, 1 in Valsad, Gujarat), 21 river bridges, and India’s first 7-km undersea tunnel under Thane Creek (part of the 21-km tunnel from BKC to Shilphata).
Japan is helping a lot. The technology is based on Japan’s famous Shinkansen. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is giving 81% of the money as a soft loan. The total cost was earlier estimated at ₹1.08 lakh crore, but due to delays it has gone up. Latest reports say it may cross ₹1.98 lakh crore. Still, the project is moving forward strongly.
Current Progress
- Viaducts completed: 334 km
- Pier work done: 417 km
- River bridges: 17 completed
- Major crossings over highways and railways: 12 done
- Track laying and electrification started in Gujarat
- All stations in Gujarat have advanced superstructure work
- Mumbai underground station base slab casting is going on
- Depots at Surat, Sabarmati, and Thane are under construction
In Maharashtra, work on the longest river bridge over Vaitarna River has reached pier level. The 21-km tunnel from BKC to Shilphata has seen good progress in NATM sections.
Timeline and Phased Opening
Minister Vaishnaw has said commercial runs in Gujarat will start by 2027. The line will reach Thane by 2028 and full Mumbai by 2029. The first section to open could be Surat to Bilimora in August 2027.
The first trainsets from Japan are expected in 2026 for testing. Trials will begin soon after.
Benefits for People and Economy
When ready, the bullet train will change travel between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Business people, students, and families will save hours. It will create thousands of jobs during construction and operation.
Stations will become new growth centres. Areas around Virar, Thane, Boisar, Vapi, and Surat will see new industries, IT hubs, and housing. The project follows PM Gati Shakti plan and will help build a modern, green India.
It will also reduce road and air traffic, cut pollution, and promote tourism.
Quotes from Leaders
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw: “The pace at which the team is working has instilled new confidence in the country. The project is drawing global attention… many advanced construction technologies and large machines being used are manufactured in India.”
Palghar MP Dr. Hemant Savara: “Palghar is developing rapidly with railway projects like the high-speed rail corridor, Dedicated Freight Corridor, and Vadhvan Port. Railway investment in Maharashtra has increased a lot since 2014.”
FAQs
Q1. What is the length of MT-6 tunnel?
A: It is 454 metres long and 14.4 metres wide. It will carry both tracks.
Q2. When will the bullet train start running?
A: First section in Gujarat (Surat-Bilimora) by 2027. Full line to Mumbai by 2029.
Q3. How many tunnels are there in the project?
A: 8 mountain tunnels + one 21-km tunnel (including 7 km undersea).
Q4. Is the project delayed?
A: Yes, but work has picked up fast in the last two years. Land acquisition is 100% complete.
Q5. How much time will it save?
A: Mumbai to Ahmedabad will take only about 2 hours instead of 6-8 hours now.