Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Achieves Major Milestone with Completion of 210m Bridge on NH-48
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project has reached a significant milestone with the completion of a 210-meter-long pre-stressed concrete (PSC) bridge on National Highway-48 (NH-48) in Gujarat. Finished on January 2, 2025, this bridge marks a key piece of infrastructure for India’s first high-speed rail corridor between the two major cities.
The bridge spans across NH-48, one of the most critical highways in India, linking Delhi and Chennai. This vital highway is heavily trafficked, and the completion of the bridge, which has a span configuration of 40m + 65m + 65m + 40m, was achieved with minimal disruption to the flow of traffic. The bridge was constructed using the Balanced Cantilever Method, a technique known for its stability and durability in handling large spans. The precise engineering and modern construction techniques used in building the bridge highlight the ambitious nature of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project. Located in Vaghaldhara village, near Panchlai in Gujarat, the bridge lies between the Vapi and Bilimora Bullet Train stations, further advancing the development of the high-speed rail network. This completion follows the successful construction of two other PSC bridges in Navsari district, contributing to the larger vision of dramatically reducing travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
To ensure the least disruption to traffic during the bridge’s construction, additional lanes were built on both sides of NH-48. A phased traffic diversion plan was put in place, along with continuous monitoring to ensure smooth traffic flow and avoid significant disruptions. These careful planning measures demonstrate the importance of maintaining operational efficiency during large-scale infrastructure projects. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project is set to revolutionise travel between the two cities, slashing the journey time from 7-8 hours to just 2-3 hours. This high-speed rail line will provide a faster, more comfortable, and more efficient mode of transport, boosting connectivity and enhancing the travel experience for millions of passengers. The completion of the Vaghaldhara bridge represents the continuous progress of this ambitious project, which is part of the Indian government’s broader vision to modernise infrastructure and improve connectivity across the country. As construction progresses, more milestones will be achieved, including the completion of more bridges, stations, and viaducts. This project not only promises to enhance the way people travel but also serves as a testament to the potential of high-speed rail to transform transportation in India. With each achievement, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train brings India closer to having a state-of-the-art high-speed rail network, paving the way for faster, more sustainable travel that will connect regions and improve accessibility for millions.