Undersea Tunnel Breakthrough Propels India's Bullet Train Project Forward

In a notable achievement for the undersea tunnel project connecting BKC and Shillphata, a breakthrough has been achieved for a 5 km section of the tunnel using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). This crucial stretch, measuring 4.881 km, includes the challenging Thane Creek crossing. Engineers celebrated the breakthrough of a continuous 2.7 km section linking the ADIT to the Savali shaft on July 9.

With this progress, excavation is finished between the Savali shaft and the Shillphata tunnel portal, allowing integration with the Mega Airport High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project's viaduct. An Additional Driven Intermediate Tunnel (ADIT) expedited the process, enabling simultaneous excavation from the Ghansoli and Shilphata sides. The remaining 16 km will be completed with Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), featuring a 13.1-meter diameter single tube to accommodate twin tracks.

Extensive safety measures, including ground settlement markers and piezometers, have been implemented to ensure controlled tunneling without impacting nearby structures. Access to the construction sites is restricted to maintain worker safety. Meanwhile, India's 508 km Bullet Train corridor, which connects Mumbai and Ahmedabad, is progressing well, with significant portions of viaducts, piers, river bridges, and steel bridges completed. Noise control efforts include installing over 400,000 noise barriers.

(With inputs from agencies.)