210-Meter Bridge Completed for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project
In a major development for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, a 210-meter long Pre-stressed Concrete (PSC) bridge has been successfully completed over National Highway-48 (Delhi-Chennai) at Vaghaldhara village, located near Panchlai in Gujarat’s Valsad district. This key infrastructure milestone was achieved on 2nd January, 2025, marking another significant step forward in the ambitious high-speed rail project.
The newly constructed bridge spans a configuration of 40m + 65m + 65m + 40m, using a total of 72 precast segments. It was built using the Balanced Cantilever Method, a preferred technique for large spans that ensures structural stability and efficiency during construction. The Vaghaldhara bridge is strategically positioned between the Vapi and Bilimora Bullet Train stations, further solidifying the rail corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. This addition complements the successful completion of two earlier PSC bridges that cross National Highway-48 in Gujarat’s Navsari district, situated between Surat and Bilimora Bullet Train stations. These bridges, measuring 260 meters and 210 meters respectively, are key components of the broader bullet train infrastructure.
Given that NH-48 is one of the busiest highways in India, the construction of the Vaghaldhara bridge was planned with careful consideration for both safety and minimal disruption. To ensure the uninterrupted flow of traffic, additional lanes were built on either side of the highway, preventing vehicles from passing under suspended loads or within the one-meter safety margin during construction. A phased traffic diversion plan was also implemented, which was carefully monitored to avoid major disruptions to commuters and local traffic. With the completion of this vital bridge, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project is progressing steadily toward its goal of transforming high-speed rail connectivity between the two cities, offering an efficient, sustainable, and time-saving mode of transport.
