Vaishnaw Witnesses Final Bullet Train Tunnel Breakthrough in Palghar

• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually witnessed the final breakthrough of a 1.5-km mountain tunnel in Palghar, Maharashtra.
• This tunnel, part of the bullet train project, is situated between Virar and Boisar stations.
• It marks the second tunnel breakthrough in Maharashtra; the first was a 5-km underground tunnel between Thane and BKC.
• The 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project aims for 320 kmph, connecting Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
• The project is supported by the Japanese government, with India's first bullet train expected by August 15, 2027.

Why It Matters: Final 1.5-km bullet train tunnel breakthrough in Palghar marks a key milestone for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR.