Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, a pivotal infrastructure project poised to redefine inter-city travel in India, has achieved a significant construction milestone at Vapi station in Gujarat.
The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), the implementing agency utilising Japan’s renowned Shinkansen technology, confirmed the completion of crucial structural works, including the rail platform level slab casting and structural steel erection. This progress at Vapi signals the tangible advancement of a project that promises to drastically cut travel times and foster economic growth across the western corridor.
The Vapi station, strategically located roughly seven kilometres from the main railway junction and five kilometres from a bustling industrial area, is emerging as a key node along the 508-kilometre route. With a built-up area spanning 28,917 square metres and rising to approximately 22 metres, the station is designed to offer modern amenities, including a dedicated business class lounge, reflecting a commitment to world-class passenger experience. The completion of the approach viaduct towards Ahmedabad, alongside ongoing work on the Mumbai-bound section, underscores the concerted effort to ensure seamless connectivity for future high-speed operations.
This monumental project, largely funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, represents a significant investment in India’s future transportation landscape. While it has faced challenges, particularly concerning land acquisition that shifted its original 2023 completion timeline, the pace of construction has accelerated considerably. The NHSRCL’s latest updates reveal impressive progress across the entire corridor, with 304 kilometres of viaduct and 388 kilometres of pier work already completed. Furthermore, 14 river bridges, seven steel bridges, and five pre-stressed concrete structures are now in place, along with approximately 163 kilometres of track bed.
A critical phase of the project is the deployment of the Japanese Shinkansen E3 and E5 series train sets, capable of operating at a maximum speed of 320 kilometres per hour. Preparations are well underway for a trial run slated for early 2026 on a 50-kilometre stretch between Surat and Bilimora. This segment is anticipated to become operational by August 2026, marking the first functional stretch of India’s bullet train network. The entire 348-kilometre section within Gujarat is projected to be operational by 2027, setting the stage for the full corridor’s completion by 2028.
The project’s innovative engineering feats are equally noteworthy. March 2024 saw the commencement of initial work on India’s first seven-kilometre undersea rail tunnel, part of a larger 21-kilometre tunnel section connecting Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Shilphata in Maharashtra. This engineering marvel, along with the completion of a 350-meter long mountain tunnel in Gujarat’s Valsad district within a remarkable ten months, highlights the advanced construction methodologies being deployed. Moreover, the first steel bridge with a 70-meter span, weighing 673 metric tonnes, has been successfully erected across National Highway 53 in Surat.
The implementation of the J-slab ballastless track system, a first for India and integral to Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains, began in Surat and Anand in March 2024. This cutting-edge technology is vital for maintaining the high speeds and smooth ride quality characteristic of bullet trains. Despite soaring costs, largely attributable to the extensive infrastructure development, the project remains a cornerstone of India’s vision for modern, efficient, and low-carbon transportation. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor is poised to revolutionise travel, halving journey times to less than three hours, and is a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to embracing sustainable and high-tech infrastructure for its citizens.
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