MP’s first train tunnel with dedicated escape route:Indore-Jabalpur distance to reduce by 68 km through high-tech rail tunnel project

One of the most challenging parts of the ₹7,300-crore Indore-Budni railway project is currently under construction in the Kamalapur region of Dewas district, where two high-tech railway tunnels measuring 8.640 km and 1.156 km are being built using advanced engineering technology. The most significant feature of these tunnels is that they are being designed as fully eco-friendly structures. Farming activities, forests and normal traffic movement on the National Highway above ground will remain unaffected while trains run beneath the surface. For the first time in Madhya Pradesh, a dedicated emergency escape tunnel is also being constructed parallel to the main tunnel to ensure passenger safety during emergencies. What’s new in this tunnel and what benefits will passengers get from this rail project… Read the report… Main and escape tunnels to be connected every 375 meters The 205-km-long Indore-Budni railway project includes two major tunnels, which are being described as the largest rail tunnels in Central India. Given the massive tunnel length, passenger safety emerged as a major concern. Authorities considered scenarios such as fire, smoke or other emergencies inside the tunnel and devised a separate escape route system. As a result, an additional “escape tunnel” is being constructed parallel to the main tunnel. The main tunnel and escape tunnel will be interconnected through exit points every 375 meters. In case of an emergency, passengers will be able to move into the escape tunnel through these exits, while rescue teams will also use the same route to reach affected areas. Construction work underway round the clock The railway line has a completion target of 2029, prompting authorities to speed up tunnel construction. Excavation work is currently being carried out simultaneously from four different directions to reduce construction time. Around 100 engineers and 500 specialized workers are engaged in 24-hour operations at the site. The project is still in its initial phase. So far: To accelerate the pace of work, an additional underground access tunnel is also being constructed around three kilometers away. This tunnel will connect between the two main tunnels and create additional excavation access points, helping increase construction speed. Main tunnel being built using Austrian technology The project is using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), considered one of the world’s most advanced and safest tunnel construction technologies. Under NATM, the natural strength of surrounding soil and rock formations is utilized to stabilize the structure. Unlike older tunneling methods, which relied heavily on concrete and steel supports during excavation, NATM continuously monitors rock behavior and applies support only where required. Excavation is carried out in small sections of one to three meters at a time, followed immediately by structural reinforcement. This significantly reduces the risk of collapse. Multiple challenges emerging during excavation Tunnel construction teams are facing several geological challenges during excavation. Workers are encountering fragile rocks that crumble into soil-like material. To stabilize these sections, arches are being created using 99 iron rods. The construction agency is using German semi-automatic boomer machines and robotic arms for the excavation process. Despite advanced equipment, excavation progress currently remains limited to 10 to 15 meters per day. Once the additional access tunnel becomes operational, the pace is expected to increase to 40–50 meters per day. Engineers also anticipate future challenges involving underground water seepage, rivers, streams and hard rock formations that may require controlled blasting operations. Trains will run 30 meters below ground The initial section of the tunnel is located around six meters below ground level, but the depth will increase to nearly 30 meters in later sections. One of the project’s most remarkable features is that agricultural fields, houses, forests and the new National Highway will continue functioning normally above the tunnel. This means trains will operate underground while farmers continue cultivation and vehicles move uninterrupted above the surface. The Dhan Talab Ghat forest area contains thousands of trees. Since the tunnel is being built underground, there will be no need for large-scale tree cutting, making the project environmentally sustainable. Train will cross entire tunnel in just 8 minutes The tunnel is being designed for trains capable of running at speeds of up to 160 kmph. Officials estimate the structure’s lifespan at nearly 100 years. The main tunnel will have a diameter of 6.4 meters, while the connecting passages linking the main and escape tunnels will measure 17 meters in length and 2.15 meters in width. Once railway tracks are laid, trains are expected to cross the entire tunnel in nearly eight minutes. Project to reduce Indore-Jabalpur distance by 68 km The new tunnel and railway line will significantly improve rail connectivity across Madhya Pradesh. The distance between Indore and Jabalpur will reduce by around 68 kilometers, while passengers will get a new route that bypasses Itarsi. Currently, the rail distance between Indore and Jabalpur is around 554 km. After completion of the project, it will reduce to nearly 486 km, saving passengers close to one hour of travel time. The project is also expected to boost trade, logistics and regional economic development in Madhya Pradesh. Freight trains and passenger trains traveling between North and South India will also benefit from the new route. Tunnel route passes through several villages in Dewas The second tunnel alignment will pass through Kamalapur, Thalgewaria and Hatnora villages in the Bagli area of Kannod tehsil in Dewas district.