A 100-metre-long ‘Make in India’ steel bridge has been successfully launched over the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) tracks near Bharuch in Gujarat. This marks the eighth steel bridge completed in Gujarat for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, part of a broader plan to construct 28 such bridges across the 508-kilometre route.
Weighing approximately 1,432 metric tonnes, the bridge stands 14.6 metres tall and spans 14.3 metres in width. Fabricated at an RDSO-approved workshop in Bhuj, Gujarat, the structure was transported to the site and assembled at a height of 14.5 metres on temporary trestles. Utilising an 84-metre-long launching nose weighing about 525 metric tonnes, the bridge was pulled into position using two semi-automatic jacks, each with a capacity of 250 tonnes, employing Mac-Loy bars.
The assembly process involved approximately 60,000 Tor-Shear Type High Strength (TTHS) bolts, designed for a 100-year lifespan, and elastomeric bearings. The bridge is coated with a C5 system painting, ensuring durability and resistance to environmental factors. The launch was executed with intermittent traffic blocks on both Western Railway and DFC tracks to ensure safety and minimise disruption to train services. This development is part of the broader Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, which aims to reduce travel time between the two cities to under three hours. The project is progressing with the completion of 300 kilometres of viaducts, including 257.4 kilometres built using the Full Span Launching Method (FSLM), significantly accelerating construction. The corridor employs indigenously designed construction equipment and involves 27 casting yards and seven steel fabrication facilities across the country.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project underscores India’s commitment to modernising its transportation infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and promoting sustainable development. The successful launch of the 100-metre steel bridge exemplifies the nation’s growing capabilities in high-speed rail construction and its dedication to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. As the project advances, it is poised to transform the travel experience between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, offering faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation options for passengers.
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