India’s Bullet Train Project Gains Momentum as Tunnel Boring Machine Set to Arrive

India's ambitious Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor project has encountered significant delays due to the prolonged detention of a crucial Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) at a Chinese port. Manufactured by German company Herrenknecht in Guangzhou, China, the TBM was held up since early 2025, causing concerns over potential setbacks in the underground construction phase of the project.

Image from OpIndia 

Diplomatic Efforts to Resolve the Impasse

The delay was attributed to customs clearance issues in China, which were resolved following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in August. The Indian government engaged in high-level diplomatic discussions to expedite the release of the TBM.

Arrival of the TBM and Project Timeline

The first of these TBMs is now en route to India and is expected to arrive on September 24, 2025. Preparatory works, including the construction of shafts at key locations such as Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Vikhroli, Sawli, and Ghansoli, are underway to facilitate the tunneling process. Tunneling operations are slated to commence in January 2026, with the Surat–Billimora section expected to be operational by 2027 and the BKC to Bandra section anticipated to be ready by 2028.

Technological Aspects of the Project

The underground tunneling contract, valued at Rs 6,397 crore, was awarded to Afcons Infrastructure Ltd in June 2023, with completion expected in 5.17 years. The New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) will be employed for excavation at depths ranging from 25 to 114 meters, utilizing a mixshield configuration suited for complex geological conditions.

The MGMM Outlook

India’s ambitious Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project has taken a major step forward with the impending arrival of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), overcoming months of delays caused by customs clearance issues in China. This development reflects the Indian government’s determination and diplomatic acumen in resolving international hurdles swiftly. The arrival of the TBM on September 24, 2025, will enable tunneling operations to begin by January 2026, marking a crucial phase in the construction of this high-speed rail corridor, which promises to revolutionize travel efficiency and strengthen connectivity between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

The project, employing advanced engineering methods like the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), exemplifies India’s commitment to adopting world-class technology in infrastructure development. With sections like Surat–Billimora expected to be operational by 2027, the initiative demonstrates a clear roadmap toward modernizing India’s rail network. Beyond its technical significance, the bullet train symbolizes India’s broader aspirations for rapid, inclusive progress and showcases the nation’s capability to undertake transformative projects that enhance both economic growth and everyday life for citizens.

(Sources: OpIndia, Times of India, Economic Times)