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NHSRCL Launches 13.6m Dia, 3,100 Tonne TBM for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train's 6km Tunnel

Target:MPSCUPSCTeachingPrelims HighMains Medium
05 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:13.6m diameter3,100 tonnes96m length6km tunnel21km underground section16km TBM section
Bodies:NHSRCL
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.NHSRCL launched India's largest rail TBM (13.6m dia, 3,100 tonnes) at Vikhroli for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.

2.TBM will excavate a 6km single-tube tunnel accommodating both tracks, passing under dense urban areas and Mithi River.

3.The project's 21km underground section includes 16km by TBMs and 5km completed via NATM.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project achieved a milestone with the launch of India's largest rail tunnel boring machine (TBM) at Vikhroli. The 13.6m diameter, 3,100 tonne TBM will excavate a 6km single-tube tunnel under dense urban areas, including the Mithi River. This is part of the 21km underground section, with 16km to be excavated by TBMs.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

TBM Diameter13.6 m
TBM Weight3,100 tonnes
TBM Length96 m
Tunnel Length (this TBM)6 km
Total Underground Section21 km
TBM Section16 km
NATM Section (completed)5 km
Nodal AgencyNHSRCL

1-Minute Revision

  • ›TBM Diameter: 13.6 m
  • ›TBM Weight: 3,100 tonnes
  • ›Target this Data: TBM diameter 13.6m, weight 3,100 tonnes, tunnel length 6km
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL)
  • ›Target this Method: Mixshield TBM for mixed ground and high groundwater pressure conditions

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which agency is responsible for implementing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the tunnel boring machine (TBM) launched for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project:

1. It is India's largest rail tunnel boring machine.

2. It will excavate a 6 km long twin-tube tunnel.

3. The TBM weighs about 3,100 tonnes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

What is the diameter of the cutterhead of the tunnel boring machine launched for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

Why was the Mixshield (slurry-type) tunnel boring machine chosen for the Mumbai suburban section of the bullet train project?

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