Posted on: 02 January 2026 | Source: PIB Delhi

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (Bullet Train) project has achieved a significant construction milestone with the successful breakthrough of its first mountain tunnel in Palghar district, Maharashtra, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw announced.

The tunnel, known as Mountain Tunnel–5 (MT-5), is approximately 1.5 kilometres long and is located between the Virar and Boisar bullet train stations. It is one of the longest mountain tunnels in the Palghar region. Excavation of the tunnel was completed from both ends within 18 months using the advanced drill-and-blast method, ensuring real-time ground monitoring and the use of modern support systems such as shotcrete, rock bolts, and lattice girders. Strict safety measures, including ventilation, fire safety systems, and secure entry–exit arrangements, were followed throughout the construction process.

Earlier, in September 2025, the project had successfully completed its first underground tunnel of nearly 5 kilometres between Thane and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). The entire Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor spans 508 kilometres, with a total tunnel length of 27.4 kilometres, including 21 kilometres of underground tunnels and 6.4 kilometres of surface tunnels. The project also includes eight mountain tunnels, seven of which—totalling more than 6.05 kilometres—are located in Maharashtra, while one 350-metre tunnel is in Gujarat.

Shri Vaishnaw said the bullet train project is generating large-scale employment and will significantly boost economic activity along the corridor. Once operational, the travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will be reduced to just 1 hour and 58 minutes, directly connecting two major commercial hubs and integrating their economies.

The Railway Minister added that the corridor is expected to accelerate economic development, encourage knowledge exchange, and lead to the emergence of new industrial and IT hubs. He emphasized that the bullet train will fulfill the aspirations of the middle class by offering a comfortable and affordable travel option.

Highlighting the environmental benefits, Shri Vaishnaw noted that after completion, the project is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 95 percent compared to road transport.

Construction is currently underway on all seven mountain tunnels in Maharashtra. Progress includes 15 percent completion of MT-1 (820 m), initial work on MT-2 (228 m), 35.5 percent completion of MT-3 (1,403 m), 31 percent completion of MT-4 (1,260 m), 55 percent completion of MT-5 (1,480 m) as of 2 January 2026, 35 percent completion of MT-6 (454 m), and 28 percent completion of MT-7 (417 m). Overall, nearly 6 kilometres of mountain tunnelling work has been completed in the state.

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor covers 352 kilometres in Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and 156 kilometres in Maharashtra, connecting key cities including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane, and Mumbai. The project is being seen as a transformational milestone in India’s transport infrastructure, ushering in a new era of high-speed rail connectivity.