Construction has commenced on the first reinforced concrete (RC) track bed for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, utilizing the Japanese Shinkansen-inspired J-slab ballastless track system. This marks the first time utilisation of this track system in India.

The J-slab system consists of pre-cast track slabs on which fastening devices and rails are mounted. These slabs are supported by the RC track bed, with an approximate thickness of 300mm, constructed in situ for individual up and down track lines on the viaduct top. The RC track bed measures 2420mm in width.

RC anchors are integrated to prevent any longitudinal and lateral restraint to the track slab. These RC anchors, with a diameter of 520mm and a height of 260mm, are spaced at approximately 5-meter intervals. They facilitate achieving the desired alignment, both horizontally and vertically, suitable for train operations at speeds of up to 320kmph.

Contracts for track works in the entire Gujarat portion of the corridor have been awarded, with material procurement at an advanced stage. Over 14,000 MT of JIS rails and 50 molds for casting track slabs have been received from Japan. Dedicated factories have been established to manufacture the track slabs, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure for precise slab production.

Specialized construction machinery, including rail feeder cars, slab laying cars, and CAM (Cement Asphalt Mortar) laying cars, will be employed for track works. To ensure proper execution, extensive training and certification for Indian contractor personnel are being organized in collaboration with Japan Railway Technical Services (JARTS) as the Training and Certification agency.