A new bridge is under construction over the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad as part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project. This bridge will stand 36 metres high, which is roughly equal to a 12-storey building. It will span 480 metres in length. Located next to the Western Railway’s Ahmedabad-Delhi main line, which is about 14.8 metres high, this bridge will serve as a symbol of modern connectivity.
The bridge will be built using a balanced cantilever technique. This method is suitable for long spans over deep water and rivers. It allows for construction without scaffolding. Segments will be connected sequentially from each pier, ensuring a stable and continuous bridge deck.
The bridge will feature eight circular piers, each with diameters between 6 and 6.5 metres. Four piers will be located in the riverbed, two will be at each riverbank, and two will be positioned outside the banks. The design aims to minimise disruption to the river’s water flow.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor will include a total of 25 river bridges, with 21 in Gujarat and four in Maharashtra. Out of the 21 bridges planned in Gujarat, 16 have already been completed. This project aims to improve high-speed rail infrastructure while ensuring coordination with the existing railway network.
To meet construction standards, the piers are designed to maintain a clearance of 5.5 metres from the highest construction point. The bridge will consist of five spans, each 76 metres long, and two spans of 50 metres. Each span will comprise 23 segments constructed using the in-situ casting method, requiring high precision.
Safety is a top priority during the construction process. Strict safety protocols have been put in place, especially for activities at height. Workers must wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including full-body harnesses, at all times. Catch nets have been installed to reduce the risk of falls.
CCTV cameras have been set up to monitor the construction process in real-time. Significant progress has been made, with all foundation and substructure work completed successfully. Activities related to the superstructure, such as pier head construction and segment casting, are currently ongoing.
Once completed, this bridge will not only enhance connectivity between Sabarmati and the Ahmedabad Bullet Train stations but will also represent the advanced engineering capabilities of the region. The bridge is located approximately 1 km from Sabarmati Bullet Train Station and about 4 km from Ahmedabad Bullet Train Station, making it a vital part of the region’s transport network.
Overall, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project is set to revolutionise rail travel in India, making it faster and more efficient, while this new bridge will stand as a testament to the progress in infrastructure development in Gujarat.