Bullet Train Tunnel Breakthrough in Palghar, Major Achievement for the Project

January 2, 2026

New Delhi, January 2: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav on Friday virtually inspected the breakthrough of a 1.5-kilometer-long tunnel for the Bullet Train Project in Maharashtra’s Palghar district from Rail Bhavan in New Delhi. Slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” were also raised during the event.

This tunnel is located between Virar and Boisar stations and is one of the longest mountain tunnels in Palghar district. According to the Railway Ministry, this is the second tunnel breakthrough in Maharashtra. The previous one, a 5-kilometer-long underground tunnel between Thane and BKC, was completed in September 2025.

Emphasis on Environmental and Economic Benefits

The Railway Minister stated that the bullet train project will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 95 percent compared to highways.

He said, “Many countries have initiated bullet train projects solely for environmental reasons. South Korea is an example of this, where it has also yielded significant economic benefits.”

Vaishnav explained that bullet trains reach city centers directly, reducing traffic congestion and causing less inconvenience to people in densely populated areas.

Project Progress, Route, and 2027 Target

The Railway Minister indicated that India is likely to have its first bullet train by August 15, 2027. The total length of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed ​​Rail Project is 508 kilometers, of which 352 kilometers are in Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and 156 kilometers in Maharashtra.

This corridor will connect major cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Vapi, Thane, and Mumbai, reducing the travel time from Mumbai to Ahmedabad to approximately two hours.

According to the National High-Speed ​​Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), elevated viaducts are being constructed on 85 percent of the project (approximately 465 kilometers), of which 326 kilometers have been completed.

The Railway Minister stated that steel bridges are being used for spans greater than 40 meters, allowing for longer and stronger bridges of 100 to 130 meters. He stated that this project exemplifies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of adopting innovative work methods and cutting-edge technology, with construction being carried out without disrupting traffic and trains.

In November 2025, during his visit to Gujarat, Prime Minister Modi reviewed the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed ​​Rail Project and inspected the Surat Bullet Train Station. Inspired by the diamond industry, the station stands at a height of 26.3 meters and has a total built-up area of ​​58,352 square meters. It has separate levels for parking, security checks, passenger amenities, and platforms.