The Mumbai Ahmedabad Bullet Train project has successfully launched the first 100-metre span of a 200-metre long steel bridge over the bustling NH-48 near Nadiad, Gujarat.
This marks a pivotal milestone in the ambitious ₹1.08 lakh crore project aimed at connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad with a semi-high-speed rail corridor. The steel bridge, a testament to India’s growing capabilities in advanced infrastructure, was fabricated at a workshop in Salasar, near Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. Weighing approximately 1,414 metric tonnes, the bridge comprises two 100-metre spans designed to support the bullet train’s operations at speeds up to 320 km/h. The structure stands at a height of 14.6 metres and spans 14.3 metres in width, ensuring robust support for the high-speed trains.
The launch of the first span was executed with precision, employing a sliding mechanism that moved the 100-metre steel structure approximately 200 metres across the highway. This method ensured minimal disruption to the heavy traffic flow on NH-48, one of the country’s busiest highways with six lanes. The operation was carried out during scheduled traffic blocks, demonstrating meticulous planning and coordination to maintain safety and efficiency. The steel bridge is constructed using approximately 57,200 Tor-Shear Type High Strength (TTHS) bolts, C5 system painting, and elastomeric bearings. These materials and techniques contribute to the bridge’s design life of 100 years, aligning with international standards for durability and performance. The assembly process involved positioning the bridge on temporary trestles at a height of 14.9 metres above ground level, followed by its movement using an automatic mechanism with two semi-automatic jacks, each capable of lifting 250 tonnes, and mac-alloy bars.
This steel bridge is part of a larger plan that includes 28 steel bridges along the Mumbai Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor. Of these, 11 are situated in Maharashtra and 17 in Gujarat. Notably, seven steel bridges have already been successfully launched in Gujarat over railway tracks, highways, and industrial zones, showcasing the project’s progress and the effective implementation of advanced engineering techniques. The Mumbai Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, spearheaded by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), is a flagship initiative under India’s ‘Make in India’ programme. It aims to revolutionize the country’s rail infrastructure by introducing high-speed trains that will significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, enhancing connectivity and economic integration between the two major cities.
The successful launch of the first steel bridge not only underscores the technical prowess involved in the project but also highlights the commitment to sustainable and efficient infrastructure development. As the project progresses, it is expected to set new benchmarks in the construction of high-speed rail corridors, contributing to the nation’s aspirations of becoming a global leader in advanced transportation systems.
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