Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet train corridor: 5 km tunnel excavation complete — why it’s a key step toward operations

Work on the 21-km underground tunnel has entered a crucial phase, with 5 km of the NATM-built section fully excavated. Teams have now moved to drainage, waterproofing, reinforcement and final lining works, marking steady progress in tunnel construction.

Following excavation, drainage systems are being installed using casting gantries, while waterproofing membranes are laid through specialised equipment. Reinforcement bar cages and concrete lining gantries are being deployed for permanent tunnel structure.

Across the corridor, 343 km of viaduct and 434 km of pier work have been completed. In addition, 17 river bridges, 5 PSC bridges and 13 steel bridges are ready, reflecting consistent progress on multiple fronts.

Breakthrough has been achieved in 2 of the 7 mountain tunnels along the route. Work on remaining tunnels continues as part of the broader push to complete critical infrastructure components of the high-speed rail corridor.

Over 5.6 lakh noise barriers have been installed across 280 km. Alongside this, 360 track km (180 route km) of reinforced concrete track bed has been completed, supporting future rail system installation.

More than 6,900 overhead equipment (OHE) masts have been installed across 159 route km. This marks significant progress in preparing the corridor for electrification and operational systems.

At the BKC underground station, 91% excavation is complete. The basement slab at Level-4 is fully done, while base slab casting has begun, indicating steady advancement in station construction.

Out of 12 stations, foundation work is complete at 8, including Vapi, Surat and Ahmedabad. Land acquisition is fully done at 1,389.5 hectares, all clearances are in place, and 1,651 utilities have been shifted.