Marking a significant milestone in India’s first high-speed rail project, the second mountain tunnel breakthrough has been successfully achieved in Palghar district of Maharashtra for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project. Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw described the development as a moment of national pride, stating that the entire country is closely watching the progress of this ambitious project.
Speaking on the achievement, Vaishnaw said that the breakthrough in the second mountain tunnel was accomplished within a remarkably short span of just one month, reflecting the pace and efficiency with which the project is being executed. He emphasized that the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train is not just a regional infrastructure initiative but a transformational project that will redefine rail travel in India.
“The entire country is watching India’s first rail speed project,” the Union Minister said, underlining the importance of the milestone. He added that construction work on stations and bridges along the corridor is also at an advanced stage, indicating steady progress across multiple components of the project.
Highlighting the broader vision for rail infrastructure, Vaishnaw noted that the Union Budget has announced seven new high-speed rail corridors, showcasing the government’s long-term commitment to modernizing India’s railway network and improving connectivity across states.
The Union Minister also spoke about the substantial investment being made in Maharashtra’s railway infrastructure. He revealed that projects worth Rs 16,000 crore are currently underway to strengthen and upgrade the Mumbai suburban railway network, which serves millions of commuters ежедневно and is considered the lifeline of the city.
Additionally, Vaishnaw stated that the total railway budget allocation for Maharashtra stands at Rs 23,926 crore, reflecting the central government’s focus on enhancing rail connectivity, safety, and passenger convenience in the state.
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project is expected to significantly reduce travel time, boost economic activity, and introduce world-class rail technology in India. With key milestones being achieved at a rapid pace, the project is seen as a symbol of India’s growing infrastructure capabilities and its ambition to match global standards in high-speed rail development.
