Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor Achieves Milestone with First Mountain Tunnel Breakthrough
In a historic development, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Corridor project has achieved a significant milestone with the breakthrough of its first mountain tunnel. Situated approximately 1 kilometer away from Zaroli Village in Umbergaon Taluka, Valsad district of Gujarat, this tunnel represents a major step forward in the construction of this cutting-edge transportation system.
Utilizing the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), the construction of the tunnel has been a meticulously planned and executed process. The NATM procedure involves several key steps, including the marking of drill holes on the tunnel face, drilling of holes, controlled blasting, and the subsequent removal of muck (blasted rock pieces). Following these initial steps, primary support structures, such as steel ribs, lattice girders, shotcrete, and rock bolts, are installed based on geological assessments after each blast.
Salient Features of the Mountain Tunnel:
- Total Tunnel Length: 350 meters
- Diameter of Tunnel: 12.6 meters
- Height of Tunnel: 10.25 meters
- Tunnel Shape: Single tube horse-shoe shaped
- Number of Tracks: 2 Tracks
This breakthrough marks a significant accomplishment for the MAHSR corridor, which is set to revolutionize high-speed rail travel in India. This tunnel is just the first of seven mountain tunnels planned for the corridor, all of which will be constructed using the NATM Method.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor is poised to bring about a transportation revolution, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times between these major cities. Stay tuned for further updates on this groundbreaking project that promises to reshape India’s transportation landscape.
