The construction of Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) underground station, a key node in India’s ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor, is rapidly advancing, with 75% of the groundwork already completed.
This high-speed rail project, commonly known as the bullet train, promises to revolutionise connectivity between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, significantly cutting down travel time to a mere two hours. As the country accelerates towards modernising its transport infrastructure, this underground station at BKC is proving to be a critical focal point for the high-speed rail network. The ongoing developments beneath BKC are substantial, with significant progress made in excavating and preparing the site for the underground station. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) reported that approximately 14 lakh cubic metres of soil have been removed to clear the way for construction, a considerable feat in itself. With the foundation now taking shape, workers have already laid 25,000 cubic metres of concrete for the base slab, and around 2 lakh cubic metres of concrete are expected to be required for this phase. This marks a major step forward in preparing the city’s infrastructure for one of India’s most forward-thinking transport projects.
The journey for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train will begin at the BKC station and continue underground for 21 kilometres to Shilphata. The majority of this stretch—approximately 16 kilometres—will be constructed using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), a state-of-the-art technology that facilitates the construction of tunnels through challenging soil and rock. The remaining 5 kilometres will utilise the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), which is especially suited for difficult terrains such as hills or loose ground. This multi-faceted approach to tunnel construction is designed to ensure the safety, durability, and efficiency of the bullet train’s underground route.
At present, significant tunnel construction work is underway at multiple locations, including Shilphata and two ADIT portals, which will not only aid in the tunnel’s construction but also serve as emergency exits and maintenance routes once the tunnels are operational. In addition, two deep vertical shafts at Vikhroli and Sawali, each reaching depths of 56 metres and 39 metres respectively, have already been completed, further showcasing the scale and complexity of the project. The BKC underground station is poised to be a central component of the high-speed rail network, connecting Mumbai to Ahmedabad in record time. The project is expected to dramatically improve the efficiency of travel between these two major cities, promoting a shift towards more sustainable, faster, and eco-friendly modes of transport. In line with global trends, the bullet train is part of a broader effort to reduce urban congestion and carbon emissions, aligning with India’s goals for sustainable urban mobility and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
This monumental infrastructure project, though largely invisible to the public eye as it progresses beneath the surface, is set to change the way people in Mumbai and Ahmedabad travel. Once complete, the bullet train will not only reduce travel time but also contribute to the country’s overall transportation goals, helping to propel India into a new era of high-speed rail technology. With construction advancing swiftly, the completion of the BKC underground station and its associated tunnels will mark a critical milestone in realising the vision of a modern, interconnected India.
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Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Station Hits 75% Completion at BKC
