The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project achieved its second mountain tunnel breakthrough in Palghar district within a month on Tuesday, marking the third tunnel breakthrough for the Bullet Train corridor so far.
The breakthrough of Mountain Tunnel-6 (MT-6) took place around 11.30 am, with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Hemant Savara the Member of Parliament, Palghar joining the event virtually. The tunnel is 454 metres long and 14.4 metres wide, designed to carry both up and down high-speed rail tracks.
This follows the breakthrough of Mountain Tunnel-5 near Saphale on January 2, 2026. The first tunnel breakthrough for the project was achieved in September 2025 at Ghansoli in Navi Mumbai.
Addressing the event, Vaishnaw said the recent pace of work reflected steady progress across the Maharashtra section of the corridor. “Achieving two mountain tunnel breakthroughs within a month shows the strong momentum of construction. Multiple challenging works, including tunnels, bridges and stations, are progressing simultaneously,” he said.
The minister also highlighted developments at the Mumbai terminal, stating that the Bullet Train station at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) is being designed with double-deck platforms to optimize space in one of the city’s most densely built business districts.
MT-6 was excavated simultaneously from both ends using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), a drill-and-controlled blast technique used in complex geological conditions. Officials said the tunnel excavation was completed within 12 months. NATM allows real-time modification of tunnel supports using shotcrete, rock bolts and lattice girders, and does not require heavy tunnel boring machinery, making it suitable for the varied rock strata in Palghar district.
Project authorities said worker safety during excavation was ensured through continuous geotechnical monitoring, real-time instrumentation, fire safety measures, proper ventilation and regulated access inside the tunnel.
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Construction work in Maharashtra is progressing on multiple fronts. The project’s longest river bridge across the Vaitarna River has reached the pier construction stage, while foundation works are underway on other major rivers such as Ulhas and Jagani. Construction is also ongoing at all four planned stations in the state, along with major national and state highway crossings using long-span steel bridges.
Excavation continues on the 21-km underground tunnel between Bandra Kurla Complex and Shilphata, one of the most technically challenging sections of the corridor.
In Palghar district, seven mountain tunnels are currently under construction. As of January 27, 2026, MT-5 has reached 57% completion, MT-6 stands at 47%, while other tunnels range from preparatory stages to over 40% completion.
The 508-km MAHSR corridor spans 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and 156 km in Maharashtra. Officials said approximately 334 km of viaducts, 17 river bridges and 12 major crossings have been completed, with track laying and electrification gaining pace in the Gujarat section.
Naresh S is a Trainee Correspondent with The Indian Express, based out of Mumbai. A graduate of Xavier’s Institute of Communication (XIC), he has an avid interest in civic issues and policy-related domains. At present, he reports on the transport sector, covering suburban railways, BEST bus serives and aviation with a propensity for in-depth analyses and researched-focused reportage.
Core Coverage Areas:
Naresh reports on Mumbai’s urban mobility and public systems, with a focus on transport infrastructure, commuter safety, and policy execution. His reporting is research-driven and data-backed, aimed at explaining how large public systems function or fail, for everyday commuters.
Transport (Primary Beat):
His main beat is transport, covering Mumbai’s suburban railways and BEST bus services. His reportage in this domain spans detailed coverage of events like the Mumbra train accident and its safety implications, as well as follow-up reporting on long-standing gaps such as the delayed implementation of automatic doors on Mumbai local trains. He also tracks infrastructure projects, operational disruptions, and policy decisions affecting daily commuters, often through explainer-style stories.
Aviation (Secondary Beat):
Naresh also covers aviation and airport infrastructure, including reporting on the Navi Mumbai International Airport project. His aviation coverage has included the IndiGo flight disruptions in December 2025, focusing on passenger impact, regulatory response, and systemic issues within civil aviation operations. ... Read More
