Bullet train project achieves second mountain tunnel breakthrough (MT-6) in Palghar
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project achieved the breakthrough of its second mountain tunnel, the 454-metre MT-6 in Palghar, Maharashtra, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on 3 February 2026.
Summary
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on 3 February 2026 the breakthrough of the second mountain tunnel (MT-6) in Palghar district, Maharashtra, on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project. The tunnel is 454 metres long and 14.4 metres wide and will carry both up and down tracks. It was dug from both ends using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method in 12 months. It came about a month after the first, MT-5 near Saphale, on 2 January 2026. Vaishnaw said the Gujarat section should begin commercial operations next year, with services reaching Thane by 2028 and Mumbai by 2029.
Key facts
- Announced
- 3 February 2026
- Tunnel
- MT-6, Palghar, Maharashtra — 454 m long, 14.4 m wide; both tracks
- Method
- New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), 12 months
- Previous
- MT-5 near Saphale, 2 January 2026
- Timeline
- Gujarat section next year; Thane by 2028; Mumbai by 2029
Practice MCQs 3 questions
What is the length of the bullet train project's second mountain tunnel (MT-6) in Palghar, whose breakthrough was announced on 3 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 454 metres
MT-6 is 454 metres long and 14.4 metres wide.
According to the Railway Minister in February 2026, by when is the bullet train corridor expected to reach Mumbai?
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Correct answer: C — 2029
He said operations would extend to Thane by 2028 and the corridor would reach Mumbai by 2029.
Consider the following about the bullet train's MT-6 tunnel: 1. It was excavated from both ends using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method. 2. It will carry only a single track, with a parallel tunnel for the other direction. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The 14.4-metre-wide MT-6 will accommodate both up and down tracks.