Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Nears Major Milestone With Final NATM Tunnel Breakthrough On 20 September

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project is set to achieve a key milestone with the final breakthrough of its New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) tunnel on 20 September 2025, reported The Times Of India.

The 4.9 km NATM tunnel, part of a 21 km tunnel stretch starting from BKC, uses the surrounding ground as a natural support system, with concrete sprayed on tunnel walls to stabilise the structure.

Package C2, which includes this tunnel, is being executed by Arcons Infrastructure Ltd.

The full 21 km tunnel comprises a 4.9 km NATM section, a 15.5 km tunnel boring machine (TBM) stretch, and a 394 m side tunnel already completed. The NATM tunnel, horseshoe-shaped, measures 10.5 m in height and 13.6 m in width.

Work is divided into three sections: Shilphata stretch (1.6 km), first junction point stretch (1.6 km), and second junction point stretch (1.5 km). The final breakthrough will occur between Ghansoli and Shilphata.

Maharashtra’s work status shows steady progress:

Thane, Virar, and Bolsar stations are advancing, with first slabs for Virar and Bolsar completed.

BKC station excavation is 83 per cent complete, while base slab casting at 100 ft depth continues at both ends. Piers for viaducts are under construction across multiple sites, with 48 km of piers cast and full-span box girder launching started in Palghar district.

Mountain tunnel excavation is underway at seven sites, with 2.1 km of 6 km headings completed. Bridge construction has begun on the Valtarna, Ulhas, and Jagani rivers.

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