This recent breakthrough means that three mountain tunnels have been completed in Maharashtra within the past five months, highlighting rapid progress in a technically challenging part of India’s first high-speed rail corridor.
The MT-07 tunnel measures 417 metres in length and 14.4 metres in width, constructed to accommodate tracks in both directions. Excavation employed controlled drilling and blasting methods from both ends, supported by advanced engineering and safety protocols.
Throughout tunnelling, sophisticated monitoring systems were used to ensure structural integrity and worker safety. Real-time measures included Surface Settlement Points (SSP), 3D targets, strain gauges, and seismographs to track vibrations and tunnel behavior. Comprehensive safety measures such as ventilation, fire safety, controlled site access, and continuous geotechnical supervision were maintained.
This breakthrough follows two earlier Maharashtra mountain tunnel completions: MT-05, a 1.5 km tunnel near Saphale in Palghar district, achieved on 2 January 2026, and MT-06, a 454-metre tunnel built using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), completed on 3 February 2026.
Of the seven mountain tunnels under construction in Maharashtra, MT-05, MT-06, and MT-07 have reached breakthrough stage. MT-08 (350 metres) had its breakthrough in October 2023. Additionally, MT-03 has over 80% excavation progress, MT-04 nearly 60%, while MT-01 and MT-02 are advancing steadily.
Across the entire Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project, eight mountain tunnels are planned, with seven in Palghar district, Maharashtra, and one in Valsad district, Gujarat, where tunnelling is already finished.
Between Vapi and Boisar stations—an important industrial corridor—three mountain tunnels (MT-08, MT-07, MT-06) have now been successfully excavated, supporting rapid project progress in this region.
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project continues to pioneer advanced tunnelling, monitoring, and construction technologies, enhancing India’s expertise in high-speed rail infrastructure and establishing a foundation for modern, safe, and future-ready rail transportation.
