Ahmedabad: Work on Gujarat’s one of the longest railway tunnel, measuring 1,830 metres and forming part of the ₹2,798.16-crore Taranga–Ambaji–Abu Road rail project, has reached 40 per cent completion, with 683 metres excavated over 11.5 months through round-the-clock operations using advanced machinery.

The tunnel is part of the 116.65-km new railway line connecting Taranga, Ambaji and Abu Road. Being constructed near Dhrovfalo village in Posina taluka of North Gujarat, it is a key engineering component aimed at strengthening rail connectivity between North Gujarat and neighbouring Rajasthan.

Railway officials said the remaining 60 per cent of the tunnelling work is expected to be completed within approximately one year. Once operational, the line is expected to significantly enhance passenger and regional connectivity across Gujarat and Rajasthan.

According to project engineers, excavation is being carried out on a war footing with modern equipment, including a Tamrock drilling machine that plays a crucial role in boring through rocky terrain.

Working conditions inside the tunnel remain challenging due to rising temperatures and reduced oxygen levels as excavation progresses deeper. To address this, a high-capacity ventilation system has been installed to continuously circulate fresh air and expel hot air. The system operates 24 hours a day to ensure worker safety and maintain operational efficiency.

Despite geological and technical challenges, officials said the presence of experienced personnel has helped maintain steady progress.

The Taranga–Ambaji–Abu Road railway line project, which began in the latter half of 2022, is slated for completion within five years. Trial runs on the newly laid tracks are tentatively expected around 2028, according to railway sources.