New rail tunnels of WDFC to be constructed by June 2022

24 Dec 2021 CW Team

Mumbai will observe the emergence of new rail tunnels for two different multi-crore railway projects.

The belly of the many centuries-old Western ghats is being torn open for the development of tunnels and laying rail lines for the Dedicated Freight Corridor that is getting impetus.

One of the longest rail tunnels will be carved open by utilising explosives. Simultaneously on Sunday, one of the significant works for linking the new tunnel between Kalwa and Mumbra was conducted during the 18 hours block.

The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) is making progress to complete the work by the June 2022 deadline. For this, one of the significant works that are drilling a hole in the Western Ghats has achieved its final stages and will be cut open on Tuesday.

As per the authorities from Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL), executing this project, they will be utilising several kilograms of explosives that will be detonated to attain tunnel-breakthrough.

It is a huge milestone since such a crucial work of constructing the tunnels after exploding and cutting a mountain has not been done for decades. Similar activity was conducted in June during rains. They will be documenting it by utilising drones to record it, as per an official from DFCCIL.

There are two tunnels of 430 m and 320 m, both having a height and breadth of 8 to 10 m that have been dug. Till Dadri, there would not be another tunnel after this one coming on the Vasai-Virar stretch. They will reach a breakthrough on the 320 m long one while the other tunnel is ready.

After this, another significant work is the launching of girders on Ulhas River for a similar DFC corridor. Presently, there is a violation from buildings and slums on a few kilometers that need to be cleared for this project. Once done, the track laying on the 100 km odd long route is likely to begin from March next year.

Image Source

Mumbai will observe the emergence of new rail tunnels for two different multi-crore railway projects. The belly of the many centuries-old Western ghats is being torn open for the development of tunnels and laying rail lines for the Dedicated Freight Corridor that is getting impetus. One of the longest rail tunnels will be carved open by utilising explosives. Simultaneously on Sunday, one of the significant works for linking the new tunnel between Kalwa and Mumbra was conducted during the 18 hours block. The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) is making progress to complete the work by the June 2022 deadline. For this, one of the significant works that are drilling a hole in the Western Ghats has achieved its final stages and will be cut open on Tuesday. As per the authorities from Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL), executing this project, they will be utilising several kilograms of explosives that will be detonated to attain tunnel-breakthrough. It is a huge milestone since such a crucial work of constructing the tunnels after exploding and cutting a mountain has not been done for decades. Similar activity was conducted in June during rains. They will be documenting it by utilising drones to record it, as per an official from DFCCIL. There are two tunnels of 430 m and 320 m, both having a height and breadth of 8 to 10 m that have been dug. Till Dadri, there would not be another tunnel after this one coming on the Vasai-Virar stretch. They will reach a breakthrough on the 320 m long one while the other tunnel is ready. After this, another significant work is the launching of girders on Ulhas River for a similar DFC corridor. Presently, there is a violation from buildings and slums on a few kilometers that need to be cleared for this project. Once done, the track laying on the 100 km odd long route is likely to begin from March next year. Image Source

Technology

28 Oct 2025

Building Faster, Smarter, and Greener!

Backed by ULCCS’s century-old legacy, U-Sphere combines technology, modular design and sustainable practices to deliver faster and more efficient projects. In an interaction with CW, Rohit Prabhakar, Director - Business Development, shares how the company’s integrated model of ‘Speed-Build’, ‘Smart-Build’ and ‘Sustain-Build’ is redefining construction efficiency, quality and environmental responsibility in India.U-Sphere positions itself at the intersection of speed, sustainability and smart design. How does this translate into measurable efficiency on the ground?At U..

Infrastructure Transport

28 Oct 2025

Smart Roads, Smarter India

India’s infrastructure boom is not only about laying more kilometres of highways – it’s about building them smarter, safer and more sustainably. From drones mapping fragile Himalayan slopes to 3D machine-controlled graders reducing human error, technology is steadily reshaping the way projects are planned and executed. Yet, the journey towards digitisation remains complex, demanding not just capital but also coordination, training and vision.Until recently, engineers largely depended on Survey of India toposheets and traditional survey methods like total stations or DGPS to prepare detai..

Real Estate

28 Oct 2025

What Does DCPR 2034 Mean?

The Maharashtra government has eased approval norms for high-rise buildings under DCPR 2034, enabling the municipal commissioner to sanction projects up to 180 m on large plots. This change is expected to streamline approvals, reduce procedural delays and accelerate redevelopment, drawing reactions from developers, planners and industry experts about its implications for Mumbai’s vertical growth.Under the revised DCPR 2034 rules, buildings on plots of 2,000 sq m or more can now be approved up to 180 m by the municipal commissioner, provided structural and geotechnical reports are certified b..