Panvel: The excavation of the Kundevahal tunnel in Navi Mumbai has reached a significant milestone, marking a crucial step forward in the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). Part of the Express Freight Railway Consortium’s Vaitarna-JNPT corridor, this tunnel is set to enhance freight movement 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), announced that railway track laying and finishing works will be completed soon, bringing the project closer to operational readiness.
The Western Dedicated Freight Corridors (WDFC) is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, designed to revolutionize goods transportation with a high-speed, high-capacity rail network. The WDFC aims to ease congestion on existing rail and road networks, cut logistics costs, and boost India's trade competitiveness while promoting sustainable economic growth.
The 102-kilometer JNPT-Vaitarna section of the WDFC, connecting Kharbao and Taloja to JNPT, features extensive infrastructure, including 53 major bridges, 242 minor bridges, three yard/station buildings, and 1.17 kilometers of tunnels. The corridor also comprises 239 track kilometers, along with the construction of 10 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and nine Road Under Bridges (RUBs), which will eliminate 20 level crossings, significantly enhancing safety and efficiency.
The 169-meter-long Kundevahal tunnel is a key component of the project, which is expected to accelerate freight transportation, reduce logistics costs, and stimulate trade and industry. The construction is being led by Tata Projects Limited, with Thakur Infra Project Private Limited (TIPL) as the subcontractor.
The breakthrough ceremony was attended by several 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 streamline freight movement, lower logistics costs, and benefit local communities in Panvel and Uran. He also highlighted the timely execution by Tata Projects and TIPL, which will ensure Maharashtra's economy reaps substantial benefits from this initiative.