India's Bullet Train Project Achieves Major Tunnel Breakthrough

The Bullet Train Project in India reached a pivotal milestone as Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the breakthrough of the second mountain tunnel in Maharashtra's Palghar district. The tunnel, stretching 454 metres with a width of 14.4 metres, is designed to accommodate both up and down tracks for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train.

This engineering feat marks the second mountain tunnel breakthrough within Palghar district in just a month, following the first at MT-5 near Saphale on January 2. Vaishnaw lauded the high-speed rail team for their rapid progress, asserting that the project's pace has invigorated national confidence.

He noted the global attention and praise the venture is garnering due to innovative construction techniques and technology, with many advanced machines manufactured domestically. According to the minister, commercial operations on the Gujarat section are expected next year, with extensions to Thane by 2028 and Mumbai by 2029.

The Railways Ministry detailed that the mountain tunnel, labeled MT-6, was completed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). This state-of-the-art drill-and-controlled blast approach facilitated the excavation within a year, culminating in a continuous passage through the mountain.

Chosen for its adaptability in challenging geological conditions and irregular tunnel designs, NATM allows real-time modifications without heavy machinery, employing techniques like shotcreting and rock bolts efficiently in Palghar's complex terrain. The success further cements India's prowess in adopting cutting-edge construction methodologies. (ANI)