Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to launch Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train tunnel work
- Ajjay Bhagyakar
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
India’s First Bullet Train Project Reaches a Major Milestone
India's ambitious Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project is entering a new phase as Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is set to launch the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) work for the underground section in Mumbai. This marks the beginning of one of the most complex engineering operations in the country's first high-speed rail corridor.
The tunnel work will commence from the Vikhroli shaft and is part of the 21-km underground section, including India's first 7-km undersea rail tunnel beneath Thane Creek, connecting Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) with Shilphata, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to launch Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train tunnel work.
A Landmark Engineering Achievement
For the first time in India, giant Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) will be used to excavate a high-speed rail tunnel beneath densely populated urban areas and under the sea.
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor spans approximately 508 km and is designed for trains capable of speeds up to 320 km/h, drastically reducing travel time between the two cities.
Project Highlights
The bullet train project includes:
🚄 508-km Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor
🌊 India's first 7-km undersea railway tunnel
🏗️ 21-km underground tunnel section in Mumbai
⚙️ Advanced Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) technology
🚅 Designed train speed of 320 km/h
The project has already achieved multiple construction milestones, including mountain tunnel breakthroughs in Maharashtra and rapid progress on viaduct construction.
Progress Update
According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, nearly 80% of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project has been completed. The first operational section between Surat and Bilimora is expected to open in 2027, while construction continues across the remaining sections.
Why This Matters
The bullet train corridor is expected to transform intercity transportation by:
Reducing travel time significantly
Improving connectivity between Maharashtra and Gujarat
Supporting industrial and economic growth
Creating employment opportunities
Introducing world-class high-speed rail technology in India
Impact on Real Estate
Mega infrastructure projects often become catalysts for real estate development.
The bullet train corridor is expected to boost demand in locations such as:
Mumbai
Thane
Virar
Boisar
Vapi
Surat
Vadodara
Ahmedabad
Improved connectivity typically drives residential demand, commercial investment, infrastructure upgrades, and long-term property appreciation.
Conclusion Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to launch Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train tunnel work
The launch of tunnel boring work marks another significant milestone for India's first bullet train project. As underground and undersea construction progresses, the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor moves closer to becoming a reality.
Once operational, the project is expected to redefine high-speed travel in India while supporting economic development, infrastructure growth, and new real estate opportunities across the corridor.
Author: Ajjay Bhagyakar
Published by: Griha Realty
Source: The Economic Times
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