Construction on a 2.32-kilometer temporary access bridge over the Vaitarna River in Maharashtra is progressing rapidly, as part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. Located in Nashik and Palghar districts, this bridge will be the longest river crossing along the entire route, facilitating logistics and equipment movement.
In Gujarat, the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is making progress on the corridor. Work is underway on 11 of the 20 planned river bridges, including a 1.4-kilometer bridge over the Narmada River between Surat and Bharuch railway stations. To expedite construction, NHSRCL will launch girders from both ends of the structure.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train route includes 24 river bridges, with 20 located in Gujarat. The Narmada bridge poses a significant challenge, featuring 25 circular piers and well foundations extending up to 70 meters deep; four will surpass the height of Delhi’s Qutub Minar.
NHSRCL has completed key bridges in Gujarat, including:
– Kaveri, Purna, Mindhola, Ambika, and Venganiya rivers (Navsari district)
– Kolak, Par, and Auranga rivers (Valsad district)
The 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor will have 12 stations:
– Gujarat: Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, and Vapi
– Maharashtra: Boisar, Virar, Thane, and Mumbai
The government aims to operationalize the bullet train’s first phase between Surat and Bilimora in South Gujarat by 2026. NHSRCL targets project completion by 2028, reducing travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to three hours.