DEWAS, MP – Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the Navratna infrastructure arm of the Ministry of Railways, has achieved a critical early breakthrough in the Indore–Budni New Line Project. The company’s PIU-Bhopal team successfully completed the first 100 metres of main tunnel excavation at Portal-1 of Tunnel-2, a key component of the upcoming 205.5 km rail corridor.

Engineering Triumph Over Challenging Geology

The achievement is particularly significant given the treacherous terrain encountered. Excavation progressed through Rock Class-V geology, a classification reserved for the weakest and most fractured rock formations. Adding to the technical difficulty, the tunnel alignment passes directly beneath two active nalas (water channels), creating a high risk of groundwater seepage and surface instability.

• Despite these hurdles, the RVNL team completed the first 100-metre stretch in just two months by employing:
• Advanced Excavation Techniques: Tailored for fragile rock strata.
• Primary Support Systems: Immediate installation of structural supports to prevent cave-ins.
• Geotechnical Monitoring: Continuous, real-time tracking of ground deformation to ensure worker safety.

Strategic Impact of Tunnel-2

Tunnel-2 is a cornerstone of the Indore–Budni link, stretching 8.6 kilometres through the Dewas district. It traverses the villages of Kamlapur, Thalghewaria, and Hatnora, effectively bypassing difficult terrain to provide a more direct rail route.

Shri Saleem Ahmad, the newly appointed Chairman and Managing Director of RVNL, praised the team's discipline:

“The successful completion of the first 100 metres under such difficult conditions reflects RVNL’s commitment to safety, engineering excellence, and disciplined execution. We will continue to deploy advanced technologies to ensure timely delivery.”

Project Benefits

• Once the Indore–Budni New Line is fully operational, it is expected to:
• Reduce Travel Time: Cut the journey between Indore and Mumbai/South India by approximately two hours.
• Boost Capacity: Provide an alternative to the congested Bhopal–Itarsi route.
• Regional Growth: Enhance connectivity for the agricultural and industrial hubs of Sehore, Dewas, and Indore districts.