The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project has achieved a major milestone with 300 km of viaduct construction completed. Featuring indigenous engineering and Japanese partnership, this milestone includes 257.4 km built via Full Span Launching Method. The accomplishment highlights India’s high-speed rail prowess and the spirit of innovation driving national infrastructure.
Introduction:
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, India’s first Bullet Train initiative, continues to record outstanding progress. A significant feat has been achieved with the successful construction of 300 km of viaducts, showing a strong step towards the development of India’s high-speed rail infrastructure.
Key Milestone – 300 km of Viaducts Completed:
The latest achievement was celebrated with the launching of a 40-meter-long full-span box girder near Surat, Gujarat. Out of the total 300 km of superstructure built so far-
- 257.4 km was constructed using the Full Span Launching Method (FSLM)
- 37.8 km using Span-by-Span (SBS)
- 0.9 km of steel bridges (10 spans in 7 bridges)
- 1.2 km of PSC bridges (20 spans in 5 bridges)
- 2.7 km within station buildings
Speed and Innovation through FSLM:
The use of Full Span Launching Method (FSLM) marks a technological leap in Indian railway construction. With 6455 spans of 40 m each used in FSLM and 925 spans in SBS, the method has proven to be nearly 10 times faster than conventional segmental techniques.
Each box girder erected under FSLM weighs a staggering 970 metric tons, streamlining the process while focussing on structural integrity. Segmental girders were installed in zones where full-span launching was not possible due to design or geographical constraints.
Indigenous Technology & “Make in India” Boost:
One of the key aspects of the MAHSR project is its commitment to indigenous solutions. The project has utilized equipment designed and manufactured in India, including:
- Straddle Carriers
- Launching Gantries
- Bridge Gantries
- Girder Transporters
This highlights India’s increasing capability in state-of-the-art railway engineering, supported by technical collaboration with Japan, shows the success of the “Make in India” initiative in mega infrastructure projects.
Nationwide Collaboration and Manufacturing:
To meet the vast construction demands, the project established 27 dedicated casting yards along the entire alignment. Moreover, fabrication of steel bridges is distributed across seven workshops in various states:
- Gujarat (3)
- Uttar Pradesh (1)
- Tamil Nadu (1)
- Maharashtra (1)
- West Bengal (1)
This decentralized yet integrated fabrication approach accelerates India’s engineering collaboration and national unity.
Environmental Measures and Passenger Comfort:
Addressing environmental concerns, more than 3 lakh noise barriers have been installed along the viaducts to minimise operational noise levels once the trains begin service. This step ensures a balance between high-speed progress and environmental sensitivity.
Simultaneously, thematic station buildings are being constructed to provide an advanced, seamless passenger experience. These stations are designed to be intermodal hubs, integrating with other forms of rail and road transport.
Progress Across Project Components:
- Foundation work completed: 401 km
- Pier work completed: 383 km
- Girder casting completed: 326 km
- Track works over viaducts begun: 157 track km of RC track bed completed
- Rolling stock depots: Under construction in both Gujarat and Maharashtra
These developments collectively signal a comprehensive and well-executed project plan.
Conclusion:
The completion of 300 km of viaducts under the MAHSR project is a major achievement that shows India’s engineering strength, strategic planning, and commitment to building top-class infrastructure. With continued momentum and a focus on indigenous innovation, India’s first bullet train is steadily advancing toward transforming national mobility.
Source: NHSRCL – Press Release | Images Credit: NHSRCL
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