RVNL Achieves Key Tunnel Milestone in Indore–Budni Railway Line Project

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna CPSU under the Ministry of Railways, has achieved a major milestone in tunnel construction for the Indore–Budni new railway line project across Indore, Dewas and Sehore districts in Madhya Pradesh.

Through its Bhopal Project Implementation Unit, RVNL has completed 500 metres of underground excavation in Tunnel-2 (main tunnel) and 100 metres in Tunnel-1, marking steady progress in this strategically important project being executed in challenging terrain. Work on all major components is progressing simultaneously to meet project timelines.

The project includes two tunnels: Tunnel-1, spanning 1,156 metres, passing through Karnawad and Baroli villages in Dewas district; and Tunnel-2, stretching 8,640 metres, the longest railway tunnel in Central India, passing through Kamlapur, Thalghewaria, Dostpur and Hathnora villages in Dewas district.

It also involves the construction of three viaducts, with lengths of 2,340 metres, 7,450 metres and 800 metres, respectively. In addition, an 8.64 km-long escape tunnel is being built parallel to Tunnel-2, in line with Railway Board safety guidelines, to enhance passenger safety.

The Indore–Budni New Railway Line Project being executed by RVNL is aimed at providing shorter and more efficient rail connectivity between Indore and Jabalpur by reducing travel distance by approximately 68 km between these two cities. The new line will bypass the highly congested and saturated Bhopal–Itarsi corridor and difficult Budni–Berkheda Ghat section. It will enhance connectivity for several towns and underserved regions across the state contributing to regional economic growth across Madhya Pradesh. It will also alleviate bottlenecks for trains heading toward Mumbai, Delhi, and Southern India

The tunnelling works are being executed using advanced construction techniques such as the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), along with modern equipment and stringent safety protocols. Despite complex geological and hydrological conditions, the project team has ensured consistent progress while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

On this development, CMD, RVNL, Shri Saleem Ahmad, said, “This milestone reflects the dedication, technical expertise, and perseverance of our engineers, geologists, and workforce, who have been working tirelessly under challenging conditions. The progress achieved reinforces our confidence in timely completion of Tunnel-1 and Tunnel-2 and significantly contributes to the overall advancement of the project. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, along with its executing agencies, remains committed to delivering world-class railway infrastructure while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental sustainability.”