Breakthrough achieved in 3rd mountain tunnel in Palghar District, Maharashtra for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project
Mumbai, June 2
The breakthrough in the third mountain tunnel in Maharashtra has been achieved for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project at Ambesari village in Dahanu Taluka of Palghar district.
The tunnel is 417 metres long and 14.4 metres wide, designed to accommodate both up and down tracks of the Bullet Train corridor.
The excavation was carried out using the controlled drilling and blasting method from both ends. Advanced monitoring systems and geotechnical instruments were deployed throughout the excavation process to ensure structural stability and safety.
Real-time monitoring systems, including Surface Settlement Points (SSP), 3D targets, strain gauges, and seismographs, were installed for continuous monitoring of vibrations, tunnel behaviour, and nearby structures during excavation activities.
Special emphasis was given to worker safety inside the tunnel through proper ventilation systems, fire safety measures, controlled access arrangements, and continuous geotechnical monitoring.
Out of the total eight (08) mountain tunnels in the project, seven (07) are located in Palghar district of Maharashtra and one (01) in Valsad district of Gujarat.
Work is moving ahead quickly, with four tunnels already fully dug out: MT-08 (350 metres): Completed on October 5, 2023, MT-05 (1.5 kilometres): Completed on January 2, 2026, MT-06 (454 metres): completed on February 3, 2026 and MT-07 (417 metres): completed on June 1, 2026.
The remaining four tunnels are actively under construction, such as MT-04: nearly 60% of the digging work is finished, MT-03: More than 80% of the excavation is complete, and MT-02 and MT-01: excavation work is moving forward at a steady pace.
With the excavation of this mountain tunnel, three mountain tunnels have been excavated within the last 5 months in Maharashtra, marking rapid progress in one of the most complex sections of the project.
All three mountain tunnels between Vapi and Boisar Bullet Train stations have been successfully excavated. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor passes through an important industrial region between Boisar in Maharashtra and Vapi in Gujarat, where construction work is progressing rapidly. The route between these two cities includes three (03) mountain tunnels (MT 08, MT-07 & MT-06).
— ANI
Reader Comments
Progress is happening, but I'm concerned about the cost and timeline. The first tunnel was completed in 2023, and now we're in 2026 with 4 out of 8 tunnels done. At this rate, when will passengers actually ride? Also, hope the compensation for land acquisition in Palghar was fair—farmers there often bear the brunt of big projects.
Having lived near Dahanu, I know how tough the terrain is. This is no small feat! The fact that three tunnels were excavated in just five months shows the dedication of engineers and workers. Safety measures like ventilation and monitoring are crucial—mining accidents are all too common otherwise. Kudos to the team! 🙏
Impressive engineering! The use of real-time monitoring with surface settlements and seismographs is top-notch. As someone who works in infrastructure, I appreciate the focus on structural stability. India is definitely setting new benchmarks for high-speed rail projects. Looking forward to the bullet train connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad!
Bahut badhiya! 🇮🇳 But honestly, I'm more excited about what this means for local economies. The Boisar-Vapi corridor is an industrial belt—better connectivity means goods and people move faster. Farmers and small businesses in Palghar will benefit too. Just hope the ticket prices aren't too high for common people like us!
Great technical update! The 14.4-metre width for dual tracks is impressive. Controlled blasting in such a sensitive area requires precision. I've seen similar projects in the UK, and India's progress rate is actually competitive. The 60-80% completion on other tunnels bodes well for the
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