The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project has reached a significant milestone with the completion of 300 kilometres of viaduct construction. This project is India’s first high-speed rail corridor, and the achievement was marked by the successful launch of a full-span box girder near Surat, which measures 40 meters long.
Out of the total 300-kilometre superstructure, 257.4 kilometres were built using the Full Span Launching Method (FSLM). This section includes 14 river bridges. Additionally, 37.8 kilometres were constructed using the Span by Span (SBS) method, which involved various types of bridges, including steel and PSC (pre-stressed concrete) bridges.
The project has employed advanced techniques and locally designed equipment, such as straddle carriers, launching gantries, and girder transporters. This initiative demonstrates India’s growing capabilities in high-speed rail technology, supported by the Japanese government.
The FSLM method has notably sped up construction, allowing full-span girders to be erected ten times faster than traditional segmental methods. Each full-span box girder weighs 970 metric tons. Segmental girders are only used in areas where full-span installation is not feasible.
To facilitate the construction process, 27 casting yards have been established along the corridor. The steel bridges for this project were produced in seven workshops across the country, including three in Gujarat, and one each in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, showcasing a spirit of national unity.
To mitigate noise during operation, over 300,000 noise barriers have been installed around the viaducts. In addition to the viaducts, the project has also completed 383 kilometres of embankment work, 401 kilometres of foundation work, and 326 kilometres of girder casting.
The bullet train stations along the corridor are being developed rapidly. These stations will integrate rail and road transport, providing passengers with a seamless travel experience. They will also be equipped with modern passenger amenities.
Track laying on the viaducts has already commenced, with about 157 kilometres of ballast track construction completed in Gujarat. Additionally, modern infrastructural facilities for rolling stock depots are being prepared in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The successful execution of this project is a testament to robust planning, cutting-edge engineering, and a commitment to the “Make in India” policy. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train is expected to transform travel between these two major cities, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing connectivity. With the project progressing as planned, the future of high-speed rail travel in India looks promising.
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