The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail (MAHSR) project reached a milestone with the breakthrough of a mountain tunnel in Palghar, Maharashtra. Mountain tunnel MT-six measures 454 metres long and 14.4 metres wide and will accommodate up and down tracks. The breakthrough follows MT-five near Saphale on second January 2026 and the MT-six excavation was completed from both ends using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method. The ministry reported that the tunnelling was completed within 12 months.

The New Austrian Tunnelling Method is favoured for its flexibility in complex geology and irregular tunnel shapes where tunnel boring machines are less suitable. Excavation employed controlled drill and blast techniques with shotcreting, rock bolts and lattice girders, avoiding very heavy machinery. Safety was ensured through geotechnical instruments, real time monitoring, fire safety measures, ventilation and controlled access.

The rail minister congratulated the project team and noted the pace of work had instilled renewed confidence and drawn global attention to construction innovations. The ministry highlighted that many advanced machines and technologies used on the project were manufactured in India and that the Gujarat section is expected to begin commercial operations next year. Officials projected that high speed services would extend to Thane by 2028 and that the corridor would reach Mumbai by 2029. Local representatives welcomed the breakthrough and the district was described as rapidly developing through multiple railway projects, with seven mountain tunnels under progress.

The MAHSR project spans approximately 508 kilometres, covering 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and 156 km in Maharashtra, and is expected to foster economic activity along the corridor. As on 27 January 2026 around 334 km of viaducts, 17 river bridges and 12 major crossings have been completed, while track laying and electrification have picked up pace in the Gujarat section. Work has also progressed on the longest river bridge on the Vaitarna, foundation works on Ulhas and Jagani, four stations, long span steel crossings and a 21 km tunnel between Bandra Kurla complex and Shilphata.