Bullet Train's Second Palghar Tunnel Breakthrough Achieved with NATM

This will be the second tunnel breakthrough in Palghar district for the Bullet Train project in a single month; the first was at MT-5 near Safale on January 2, 2026. The excavation of the mountain tunnel (MT-6) has been carried out from both ends using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), which is a modern controlled drill-and-blast method. The excavation was completed in 12 months.

The NATM method is preferred for complex geographical conditions and uneven tunnel shapes like those found in Palghar, where Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) are not suitable. This process does not require extremely heavy machinery, and necessary structural improvements can be made in real-time using shotcreting, rock bolts, and lattice girders. The safety of workers inside the tunnel has been ensured through the use of various geotechnical instruments, real-time monitoring, efficient fire safety measures, proper ventilation, and a controlled entry system.

In Maharashtra, construction work is progressing rapidly across various levels. The longest river bridge of the project, located on the Vaitarna River, has reached the pier level. Foundation work is also underway on other major rivers like the Ulhas and Jagnisarkhya. Construction is in progress at all four stations. Work is also moving fast on the 21 km long tunnel between Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Shilphata, which includes the use of long-span steel bridges at locations crossing national and state highways. A total of 7 mountain tunnels are currently under construction in the Palghar district of Maharashtra.

The progress status of Mountain Tunnels, such as MT-1, is 0.820 km long and 16% complete. MT-2 is 0.228 km long with preparatory work ongoing. MT-3 is 1.403 km long and 41% complete. MT-4 is 1.260 km long and 32% complete. MT-5 is 1.480 km long, 57% complete, with breakthrough achieved on January 02, 2026. MT-6 is 0.454 km long, 47% complete, with a breakthrough scheduled for today. MT-7 is 0.417 km long and 29% complete.

The total length of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project is approximately 508 km, consisting of 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and 156 km in Maharashtra. As of January 27, 2026, approximately 334 km of viaducts, 17 river bridges, and 12 major crossings over national highways, railways, and other infrastructure have been completed. Track laying and electrification work are progressing rapidly in the Gujarat section of the project.

- ANI