Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a major construction milestone in India’s first bullet train project with the successful breakthrough of the second mountain tunnel.

BulletsIn

• Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced successful breakthrough of the second mountain tunnel of Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project in Palghar Maharashtra.

• The tunnel is 454 metres long and 14.4 metres wide accommodating both up and down tracks for the Mumbai Ahmedabad bullet train corridor.

• The breakthrough was achieved within one month following the first tunnel breakthrough on second January reflecting rapid construction progress in the project.

• Minister highlighted that advanced construction technologies and heavy machinery used in the project are largely manufactured in India boosting domestic capability.

• Gujarat section of the high speed rail project is expected to begin commercial operations next year according to the Railways Minister.

• High speed rail services are planned to extend to Thane by 2028 and reach Mumbai by 2029 strengthening regional connectivity and economic integration.