The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has embarked on a groundbreaking phase of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project with the commencement of India’s maiden undersea rail tunnel.
Spanning a distance of seven kilometres, this innovative tunnel, featuring a single tube measuring 13.2 metres in diameter, constitutes a pivotal component of the broader 21-kilometre link connecting Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Shilphata in Mumbai. Located between 25 to 65 metres beneath the ground surface, with its deepest point plunging 114 metres below Parsik Hill near Shilphata, this engineering marvel underscores the ambitious scale of India’s high-speed rail ambitions. The project employs a multifaceted approach to tunnel construction, utilizing both Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) and the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). Specifically, 16 kilometres will be excavated using advanced TBMs, necessitating the creation of 76,940 precast concrete segments forming 7,441 rings. Each segment, meticulously bolted or keyed together, ensures the immediate structural integrity of the tunnel as excavation progresses, safeguarding operational safety and stability.
However, such pioneering infrastructure ventures come at a substantial financial cost. Initially budgeted at Rs 100 crore for the C2 package, the project’s expenses have surged exponentially to Rs 10,000 crore, reflecting the complexities and scale of constructing an undersea passage. Once operational, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train promises to revolutionize travel across the 508.17 km corridor, slashing transit time between the two cities to just two hours at speeds of up to 320 kmph. En route, the high-speed rail will traverse through Maharashtra, the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Gujarat, serving 12 strategically located stations.
The genesis of this transformative project dates back to September 2017, when officials laid its foundation stone in Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati, symbolizing a bilateral commitment to advancing India’s transport infrastructure. With a targeted completion date set for 2028, NHSRCL remains steadfast in its mission to deliver enhanced connectivity and efficiency, epitomizing the nation’s progress towards a sustainable and integrated transportation future. This latest milestone in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train saga heralds not only technological prowess but also strategic foresight in bolstering India’s economic landscape through cutting-edge infrastructure development.
