NHSRCL Begins Electrification Work for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train
The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has officially commenced the electrification work for India’s first bullet train project, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor. The landmark development was announced by NHSRCL on Thursday, with the first two steel masts being successfully erected at a height of 14 meters on the viaduct between Surat and Bilimora stations in Gujarat.
The installation of the masts marks a significant milestone in the project, as over 20,000 masts will be installed along the 508-kilometre corridor. These masts, which will range from 9.5 to 14.5 meters in height, are designed to support the 2×25 kV Overhead Equipment (OHE) system, which includes overhead wires, earthing systems, and other essential fittings for high-speed train operations. In keeping with the “Make in India” initiative, NHSRCL has ensured that these masts are domestically manufactured while maintaining Japanese design standards. This electrification work is a crucial step in the realisation of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, which promises to revolutionise rail travel in India by introducing high-speed connectivity between Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Project Progress and Achievements
NHSRCL has reported significant progress on the project, with 253 kilometers of the viaduct completed, 290 kilometers of girders cast, and 358 kilometers of pier work finished. Furthermore, bridges across 13 rivers and five steel bridges have been completed, while noise barriers have been successfully installed along 112 kilometers of the corridor. In Gujarat, track construction has commenced at multiple locations, and a mountain tunnel in Valsad district has already been completed. In Maharashtra, work is ongoing on a 21-kilometre tunnel, along with the construction of seven mountain tunnels in Palghar district, using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM). The electrification and ongoing infrastructure developments signal the rapid advancement of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, which spans a total of 508 kilometres. Once completed, this high-speed rail corridor will significantly reduce travel time between the two cities, heralding a new era of fast and efficient travel in India.
