The Kundevahal tunnel in Navi Mumbai has reached a breakthrough, marking a key advancement in the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). This engineering feat is part of the Express Freight Railway Consortium’s ambitious Vaitarna-JNPT corridor, designed to strengthen freight connectivity between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and northern India.
During the tunnel breakthrough ceremony, Praveen Kumar, Managing Director of the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), confirmed that track laying and finishing works will be completed soon, bringing the project closer to operational readiness.
A flagship initiative of the Government of India, the WDFC is set to transform goods transportation through a high-speed, high-capacity rail network. The corridor aims to cut logistics costs, boost trade competitiveness, and drive sustainable economic growth by easing congestion on existing rail and road infrastructure.
Spanning 102 kilometers, the JNPT-Vaitarna section of the WDFC connects Kharbao and Taloja to JNPT, featuring robust infrastructure such as 53 major bridges, 242 minor bridges, three yard/station buildings, and 1.17 kilometers of tunnels. The corridor also includes 239 track kilometers, along with the construction of 10 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and nine Road Under Bridges (RUBs) to eliminate 20 level crossings, significantly improving safety and efficiency.
The 169-meter-long Kundevahal tunnel, a vital component of this initiative, is expected to accelerate freight movement, reduce logistics costs, and stimulate trade and industry. Tata Projects Limited is leading the construction, with Thakur Infra Project Private Limited (TIPL) serving as the subcontractor.
The breakthrough ceremony saw the presence of key dignitaries, including DFCCIL Chief General Manager Paramjeet Singh, Tata Projects Vice President Venkat Kumar, DFCCIL Director M.P. Tyagi, Rajkumar Sharma, Sahil Sharma, and former Panvel Municipal Corporation Leader Paresh Thakur.
Speaking at the event, Paresh Thakur emphasized that the project will enhance freight efficiency, lower logistics costs, and benefit local communities in Panvel and Uran. He also praised the timely execution by Tata Projects and TIPL, ensuring that Maharashtra’s economy reaps substantial benefits from this initiative.
