NationalSunday, 5 July 2026·The Hindu - National
India’s first bullet train tunnel work in Mumbai: 20.37-km tunnel, TBMs and 508-km corridor
The Railway Ministry postponed the formal launch of bullet train tunneling in Mumbai, but ordered immediate work on the 20.37-km tunnel for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On July 5, 2026, the Railway Ministry postponed the formal launch of tunnel-boring work in Mumbai for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, but directed NHSRCL to begin the 20.37-km tunnel work immediately.
Key specifics
- The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor is India’s first bullet train project and spans 508 km.
- The tunnel package covers 20.37 km from BKC station to Shilphata, including a 7-km undersea stretch.
- Two customised German-made TBMs imported from China in March 2026 will be used; each has a cutter-head diameter of 13.6 metres.
- The first TBM will excavate about 5.8 km from Vikhroli to BKC, while the second will work on the 9.7-km Sawli–Vikhroli stretch.
- Each TBM is expected to excavate around 300 metres per month, taking the combined pace to about 600 metres monthly once both are operational.
Exam lens
TNPSC may frame questions on India’s first bullet train, tunnel engineering and corridor length; remember 508 km corridor, 20.37 km tunnel, 7-km undersea section, 13.6-metre TBM cutter head and March 2026 import.