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Second TBM Assembly Begins for Mumbai-Ah Ahmedabad Bullet Train Tunnel

The assembly of the second tunnel boring machine (TBM) has commenced 39 meters underground at the Sawli site for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project. This massive machine, with its 190-ton gantry, will begin boring towards Vikhroli, with its initial drive scheduled for July 2026. The 508-km project, receiving technical and financial assistance from Japan, will pass through Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, featuring 12 stations. Officials noted that while all land has now been acquired, delays in Maharashtra's land acquisition process impacted the project until 2021.

Key Points: Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train: 2nd TBM Assembly Starts

  • Second TBM assembly begins
  • 39 meters below ground at Sawli
  • TBM drive start expected July 2026
  • Project funded with Japanese assistance
  • All land acquired for 508 km route
2 min read

Assembly of second TBM begins at Sawli for Mumbai Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

Assembly of the second tunnel boring machine begins 39m underground at Sawli for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project, aiming for a 2026 start.

"assembly of the TBM at 39 meters below ground has been meticulously planned - Officials"

Mumbai, April 12

The assembly of the second tunnel boring machine has commenced at Sawli in Mumbai at a depth of 39 meters below ground as part of the work for Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail, officials said. This TBM will begin its journey from Sawli towards Vikhroli.

The gantry, weighing 190 metric tons, having a length of 18 meters, 10 meters in width and 9 meters in height was lowered on Saturday. There are four gantries in both the TBMs, which will be attached to the main shield assembly and utterhead.

The gantries will travel the complete excavated length while supporting the critical operations such as excavation, waterproofing, tunnel lining segment installation, officials said.

Due to the space restrictions in the Sawli shaft, assembly of the TBM at 39 meters below ground has been meticulously planned.

TBMs initial drive is expected to commence in July 2026.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project (508 km) is under execution with technical and financial assistance from Japan government. The Project is passing through the States of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli with 12 stations planned at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati.

Entire land (1389.5 Ha.) for the MAHSR project has been acquired. All Statutory Clearances have been obtained. All 1651 utilities have been shifted.

Officials said that delay in land acquisition in the State of Maharashtra has impacted the project till 2021. The land acquisition picked up in 2022 in Maharashtra, they said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Amazing engineering feat! Lowering a 190-ton gantry so deep is no small task. Hope the safety protocols for the workers are top-notch. The 2026 start for the TBM drive seems far, but quality takes time. Excited for the future!
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the progress, I can't help but think of the cost. The financial assistance from Japan is great, but I hope this investment translates to affordable ticket prices for the common man, not just a luxury for the wealthy.
S
Sarah B
The scale of planning is impressive – 12 stations, 508 km, and now assembling massive machines underground. The environmental impact during construction must be managed carefully, especially with so much excavation.
V
Vikram M
As someone from Surat, I'm eagerly waiting for this! The economic boost for all the cities on this corridor, especially smaller ones like Billimora and Anand, will be tremendous. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
Good to see all statutory clearances are done and utilities shifted. That's often where big projects get stuck in red tape. Hope they stick to the timeline now. The Japanese partnership gives confidence in the technology.

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