The construction of India’s first bullet train station at Virar in Maharashtra has reached a major milestone with the successful casting of the first structural slab, paving the way for track-laying operations on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor.
The National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL), which is implementing the project, confirmed on Wednesday that the first slab has been cast at the Virar station site in Palghar district. The slab, spanning 50 metres in length and 35.32 metres in width with a thickness of 300 millimetres, used 1,555 cubic metres of concrete. It is the first of nine slabs that will form the structural base at rail level. “This development marks a critical phase in preparing the site for laying tracks,” the agency stated, adding that the slab will support further construction of platform systems and other passenger amenities.
The Virar station is being built with a dual-level design—concourse and rail—and will stretch 425 metres in length. Uniquely positioned on a hill, the architectural concept draws inspiration from mountain winds, reflecting a blend of modern engineering and the natural terrain. NHSRCL noted that the design ensures both aesthetic integration and structural efficiency. Future construction phases will include casting the remaining eight slabs, followed by the installation of tracks and station infrastructure. The high-speed corridor, spanning 508 km, aims to drastically cut travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad and deliver a state-of-the-art travel experience. “The progress at Virar showcases the precision and pace with which India is moving towards realising its high-speed rail ambitions,” NHSRCL said in a statement. The project is being executed with equity contributions from the central government, the Ministry of Railways, and the governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The Virar station milestone signals a new chapter in India’s rail infrastructure development, positioning it closer to delivering world-class transportation solutions.