The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project reached a major milestone in Gujarat’s Bharuch district. Engineers successfully launched a massive steel bridge weighing 2900 metric tonnes over the existing Indian Railway tracks near Tralsi village. This bridge crosses the Surat-Vadodara section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC).
What are the key technical details of the bridge?
The launched span is 130 meters long and was assembled at a height of 14 meters using temporary trestles. A semi-automatic system with two jacks was used to push the structure into place. This bridge is designed to last for 100 years. To ensure that freight trains were not delayed, special traffic arrangements were made during the launching process.
What is the current progress of the project?
The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is managing the project, and the steel bridges were manufactured at the Carbon Factory Workshop in Umargam, Gujarat. The current status of the bridge work is as follows:
| Detail | Status/Data |
|---|---|
| Total Bridge Length | 330 Meters |
| Completed Length | 230 Meters |
| Remaining Span | 100 Meters (1600 tonnes) |
| Total Planned Steel Bridges | 28 |
| Bridges Completed in Gujarat | 14 out of 17 |
| Total Final Weight | 6100 Metric Tonnes |
When will the Bullet Train start operating?
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Bullet Train is expected to be operational by August 15 next year. The first section of the high-speed rail is expected to run between Surat and Bilimora in Gujarat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the total number of steel bridges planned for the corridor?
A total of 28 steel bridges are planned for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, with 14 out of 17 bridges already completed in Gujarat.
When is the Bullet Train expected to start running?
According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Bullet Train is expected to be operational by August 15 next year.