WiDesAI (kiWI Desi AI Bot) Kheda, Gujarat, India – The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project achieved a significant milestone on Friday as the first 100-metre span of a 2 X 100-metre-long steel bridge was successfully launched over the heavily trafficked NH-48 near Nadiad, Gujarat. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), responsible for executing India’s first high-speed rail corridor, announced this major accomplishment.
An Engineering Feat
This “Make in India” steel bridge is designed to facilitate the bullet train’s crossing over NH-48, one of India’s busiest highways with six lanes (three lanes on each side). The first span of the bridge was launched smoothly across three lanes by sliding the structure approximately 200 metres from one end, ensuring minimal disruption to traffic flow during the operation.
According to NHSRCL’s release, the 100-metre-long steel bridge stands approximately 14.6 metres tall and 14.3 metres wide, weighing an impressive 1,414 metric tons. Fabricated at a workshop in Salasar, near Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, the bridge has been engineered for a 100-year lifespan.
Construction and Design Details
The bridge’s assembly incorporates advanced construction techniques and materials:
- Bolts: Approximately 57,200 Tor-Shear Type High Strength (TTHS) bolts were utilised for durability and structural integrity.
- Painting: A C5 system painting ensures corrosion resistance, extending the bridge’s longevity.
- Bearings: Elastomeric bearings facilitate controlled movement and load distribution.
- Mechanisms: The bridge was moved using semi-automatic jacks capable of lifting 250 tons, supported by mac-alloy bars. Temporary trestles were employed to position the bridge at a height of 14.9 metres above ground.
Planned Bridges Across the Corridor
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project envisions the construction of 28 steel bridges along its route—17 in Gujarat and 11 in Maharashtra. Of these, seven bridges in Gujarat have already been launched over railway tracks, Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation (DFCC) tracks, highways, and industrial areas such as Bhilosa.
A Vision for High-Speed Connectivity
The launch of this steel bridge represents a crucial step in transforming India’s transport infrastructure. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor is not only aimed at reducing travel time but also at enhancing connectivity and fostering economic development along its route.
With cutting-edge construction techniques and a focus on sustainability, the high-speed rail project aligns with India’s broader vision for modern infrastructure development. As construction progresses, more such milestones are expected to pave the way for the nation’s first bullet train.
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