Construction begins for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project in Maharashtra

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): Construction work for the  Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed bullet train project has commenced in Palghar and Thane districts of Maharashtra, marking a significant milestone for the 508-km-long Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, as announced by the project implementing agency on April 9.

The National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) disclosed that the work is underway as part of package-C3 of the bullet train project, stretching from Shilphata to Zaroli village on the Maharashtra-Gujarat border. Geotechnical investigation for the entire 135 km stretch is nearing completion, while work on two mountain tunnels has already begun in the region. Additionally, pier foundation work has commenced at multiple locations, according to the release.

The development also includes the establishment of casting yards for full span and segment casting of girders. Package C-3 of the bullet train project spans 135.45 km, comprising viaducts and bridges totaling 24.027 km, alongside earth structures covering 5.361 km. It encompasses 36 bridges and crossings, including 12 steel bridges, as stated by NHSRCL.

Moreover, the project incorporates six mountain tunnels and one cut-and-cover tunnel, as well as crucial river crossings over Ulhas, Vaitarna, and Jagani rivers. The section will feature three bullet train stations at Thane, Virar, and Boisar.

Additionally, NHSRCL has initiated the construction of India's first undersea tunnel, spanning 21 km between underground stations at Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai and Shilphata in Thane district. The tunneling process involves the use of three boring machines, with approximately 16 km of the portion to be constructed using this method, while the remaining 5 km will utilize the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM).

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor project carries a total cost of Rs 1.08 lakh crore. Under the shareholding pattern, the Government of India is responsible for contributing Rs 10,000 crore to NHSRCL, with the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra each providing Rs 5,000 crore. The remaining funds will be sourced through a loan from Japan at an interest rate of 0.1%, as outlined in the release.