Mumbai: India’s ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is rapidly advancing, introducing cutting-edge technology and modern engineering marvels that include the construction of complex river bridges and underwater passages. The corridor, which will span 508 km, is set to slash travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad from six hours to a swift two hours, operating at speeds of up to 320 km/h.
High-Tech River Crossings Completed Between Vapi and Surat
In a significant milestone, construction of all nine river bridges on the Vapi-Surat segment has been completed, marking a crucial phase in the corridor’s development. This progress contributes to the completion of 12 out of 20 planned river bridges in Gujarat. The bridges in this section traverse important rivers like Kharera, Kolak, Par, Auranga, Purna, Mindhola, Ambika, Kaveri, and Vengania, connecting districts such as Valsad and Navsari with precision engineering.
Engineering Marvels: The Kharera River Bridge
One standout among these structures is the 120-meter-long Kharera river bridge, strategically located between Vapi and Bilimora. This impressive bridge, approximately 45 km from Vapi, is supported by three full-span girders, each stretching 40 meters. The piers of the bridge, measuring between 14.5 and 19 meters in height, include one circular pier with a 4-meter diameter and three piers with 5-meter diameters, underscoring the structural resilience needed to support high-speed rail transit.
Further Bridge Construction Outside the Vapi-Surat Segment
Beyond the Vapi-Surat segment, the project has also completed three more river bridges—crossing the Dhadhar river in Vadodara district, and the Mohar and Vatrak rivers in Kheda district. These structures reflect the innovative methods and robust materials used throughout the corridor to ensure both safety and speed.
Financial and Construction Progress on Track
The bullet train corridor has achieved substantial financial progress, with Rs. 66,326 crore invested so far out of the project’s total budget of Rs. 1.08 lakh crore. As of September, the project has reached 61% completion, showcasing a strong commitment to advancing high-speed rail in India. This corridor not only aims to reduce travel times but also represents a leap forward in India’s transportation infrastructure, connecting two of the nation’s economic hubs with unmatched speed and efficiency.
Technical Specifications of the Kharera River Bridge
- Length: 120 meters
- Girders: 3 full spans of 40 meters each
- Pier Heights: 14.5 to 19 meters
- Pier Details: One circular pier with a 4-meter diameter, three piers with a 5-meter diameter
- Location: Between Vapi and Bilimora bullet train stations
As India inches closer to its first-ever bullet train experience, this high-speed corridor promises not only to revolutionize travel between Mumbai and Ahmedabad but also to set a benchmark in high-speed rail infrastructure for future projects across the country.
