In a boost to India’s high-speed rail ambitions, construction of a massive bridge over the Sabarmati River in Gujarat is gaining momentum. Part of the flagship Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, this 480-meter-long structure rises 36 meters high, matching the stature of a 12-floor building. Project officials report that piers are fully installed, and significant superstructure progress has been made, positioning the corridor for timely completion.
Strategically located between the upcoming Sabarmati and Ahmedabad stations—1 km from the former and 4 km from the latter—the bridge runs parallel to the busy Ahmedabad-Delhi rail line. Its eight robust circular piers, measuring 6-6.5 meters in diameter and 31-34 meters tall, are ingeniously placed: four in the riverbed, two on shores, and two outside, ensuring minimal ecological impact on the Sabarmati’s flow.
Featuring seven spans (five at 76 meters, two at 50 meters), the bridge utilizes the balanced cantilever technique. This method enables segment-by-segment assembly without ground-level supports, culminating in a seamless post-tensioned deck from 23 cast segments per span. It’s a testament to modern bridge-building prowess.
All foundational work is done, with three long spans complete. Teams are now focusing on pier heads and remaining segments. Environmental safeguards include temporary culverts and drainage channels to maintain river continuity. The broader 508-km project by NHSRCL has seen viaducts spanning hundreds of kilometers finished, plus bridges over Narmada and Tapi. With stations and depots advancing simultaneously, the corridor promises revolutionary travel speeds, transforming regional connectivity.
