Elevated Corridors, Tunnels and Bridges Advance on Mumbai‑Ahmedabad High‑Speed Line

Engineering efforts on the Mumbai‑Ahmedabad bullet train are accelerating, with the rail minister emphasizing the scale of the undertaking. The 135.45‑kilometre elevated stretch from Shilphata to Jaroli incorporates 124.027 kilometres of viaducts and bridges, designed to sustain trains travelling at speeds exceeding 300 km/h.

Three modern stations—Thane, Virar and Boisar—are being built on elevated platforms. Notably, the Thane station deck sits 12 metres above the natural terrain, a deliberate design choice to protect the fragile mangrove forest that lies nearby.

Pillar construction has progressed beyond the 100‑kilometre mark, and 74 kilometres of pillars are now ready for girder installation, allowing the viaduct framework to take shape. Maharashtra hosts nine casting yards that produce the massive concrete elements, while seven full‑span and eight span‑by‑span launch gantries are actively deploying these components.

Tunnel work in the Ghats comprises seven boreholes, with three already achieving full breakthrough. Inside these tunnels, teams are rapidly completing drainage, waterproofing and lining tasks to ensure structural integrity and safety.

River bridge work includes a 460‑metre span over the Ulhas, a 2.32‑kilometre crossing over the Vaitarna, and a 510‑metre structure over the Jagani, alongside 36 additional bridges and 12 steel bridges that will intersect existing transport arteries.

The coordinated use of advanced construction technology is intended to meet the project timeline, positioning India among the select nations with a fully operational high‑speed rail network.