The electrification of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor has officially been commenced now. With the first two steel masts installed on the bridge at a height of 14 meters above ground level between the Surat and Bilimora Bullet Train Stations in Gujarat it seems like the project has finally started to take place.
According to the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd.’s official statement, “in total, over 20,000 masts, ranging from 9.5 to 14.5 meters in height, will be installed along the corridor. These masts will support the Overhead Equipment (OHE) system, including overhead wires, earthing systems, fittings, and associated accessories, forming the complete 2×25 kV overhead traction system for the MAHSR corridor suitable to run the Bullet train.”
These OHE masts, which follow to Japanese standard design and standards, are made in India and are going to promote the overhead traction system for high-speed trains, therefore to also encourage the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
A 210-meter pre-stressed concrete (PSC) bridge across National Highway-48 in Dabhan village, close to Nadiad, in Gujarat’s Kheda district, was finished on January 13 as part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project.
“Completed on January 9, 2025, this bridge is situated between the Anand and Ahmedabad bullet train stations. The bridge has been constructed using the Balanced Cantilever Method, which is used for larger spans”, according to National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. It has four spans with lengths of 40 meters + 65 meters + 65 meters + 40 meters which are made up of 72 precast components.
Numerous developments have already been made in several high-speed rail project components. Along with 290 kilometers of girder casting and 358 kilometers of pier building, a total of 253 kilometers of viaduct work was successfully finished.
Five steel bridges and bridges across thirteen rivers were completed. In Gujarat, track building has started at many spots, and noise barriers have been put in place for a distance of around 112 kilometers. In Maharashtra, a 21-kilometer tunnel will soon be built between Thane and the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).