New Delhi, April 23: Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna CPSU under the Ministry of Railways, has announced a significant milestone in the Indore–Budni New Railway Line Project in Madhya Pradesh. The company has successfully completed 500 meters of underground excavation in Tunnel-2 (main tunnel) and 100 meters in Tunnel-1, marking steady progress in this strategically important infrastructure initiative.
The tunnelling work is being executed through RVNL’s Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in Bhopal, with simultaneous progress across all major components to ensure timely completion. The project involves the construction of two key tunnels—Tunnel-1 spanning 1,156 meters and Tunnel-2 extending 8,640 meters, which will be the longest railway tunnel in Central India.
In addition, three major viaducts are under development, measuring 2,340 meters, 7,450 meters, and 800 meters respectively. An 8.64-kilometre escape tunnel is also being constructed parallel to Tunnel-2 in compliance with Railway Board safety guidelines, ensuring enhanced passenger safety.
The Indore–Budni rail line aims to significantly improve connectivity between Indore and Jabalpur by reducing travel distance by approximately 68 kilometres. The new route will bypass the congested Bhopal–Itarsi corridor and the challenging Budni–Berkheda Ghat section, easing rail traffic and enhancing efficiency.
The project is expected to boost connectivity for several underserved regions across Madhya Pradesh, while also easing movement for trains heading toward Mumbai, Delhi, and southern parts of India. This development is anticipated to contribute to regional economic growth and improved logistics efficiency.
The tunnelling operations are being carried out using advanced construction methods such as the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), supported by modern equipment and stringent safety protocols. Despite complex geological and hydrological conditions, the project team has maintained consistent progress with high standards of quality and safety.
Commenting on the milestone, Shri Saleem Ahmad, Chairman and Managing Director of RVNL, said,
“This achievement reflects the dedication, technical expertise, and perseverance of our engineers, geologists, and workforce working under challenging conditions. It strengthens our confidence in the timely completion of the tunnels and the overall project.”
With a legacy of over two decades, RVNL continues to play a pivotal role in bridging infrastructure gaps in Indian Railways. Having completed over 157 projects covering more than 17,000 kilometres, the company has expanded its footprint across multiple infrastructure segments, including metro projects in several cities, and continues to strengthen its position as a key player in India’s infrastructure development journey.
