Vaishnaw Reviews Bilimora Bullet Train Station Progress

Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, visited the under-construction Bilimora Bullet Train station—part of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor—to review ongoing construction and track-laying works. He was accompanied by Dhaval Patel, Member of Parliament (Valsad), and Naresh Patel, Member of Legislative Assembly (Gandevi).

Located in Kesali village near Bilimora, on the banks of the Ambika River in Navsari district, the station draws architectural inspiration from Bilimora’s famed mango orchards, symbolising the region’s natural beauty and cultural identity. The façade’s design reflects the theme, while the interior is crafted to maximise natural light and ventilation.

The false ceiling at the station is suspended using anti-vibration hangers, isolating fittings from vibrations caused by high-speed train movement.

Designed to provide world-class passenger comfort, the station includes modern amenities such as waiting lounges, restrooms, retail outlets, nurseries, and multiple lifts and escalators for effortless mobility. Special attention has been given to accessibility for elderly passengers, differently abled individuals, and families with children.

The premises are landscaped with greenery to create a refreshing and eco-friendly environment, complemented by dedicated parking for buses, cars, and two-wheelers, as well as EV charging zones and pick-up and drop-off areas.

Reflecting sustainability principles, the Bilimora station incorporates Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) features, including rainwater harvesting, efficient water usage, low-flow fixtures, low-VOC paints, and measures to reduce heat gain in the interiors.

The station covers a built-up area of 38,394 sq. metres, comprising two levels:

Ground and Concourse Level: Parking bays, security checkpoints, ticket counters, waiting areas, pedestrian plazas, kiosks, lifts, and escalators.

Platform Level: Two platforms with four tracks and 425-metre-long platforms designed to handle 320 km/h high-speed trains.

Construction progress includes completion of rail and platform slab casting, structural steel erection, and ongoing architectural finishing and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) works.

Track work has advanced significantly, with the RC track bed completed and the installation of a temporary track using a Rail Laying Car (RLC) underway. The RLC transports 200-metre welded rail panels from the Track Construction Base to the site, enabling mechanised handling and minimising manual work.

To ensure smooth operation of trains at 320 km/h, precise survey methods are being applied. High-accuracy instruments and multi-level verification systems are in use, including Reference Pin Survey and Regression Analysis to correct minor construction deviations.

Bilimora station features two loop lines, four 1-in-18 turnouts with movable crossings, two 1-in-18 crossovers, and a 1-in-12 turnout branching towards the Confirmation Car Base.

Once completed, the Bilimora Bullet Train station will stand as a modern, sustainable, and culturally inspired landmark, enhancing regional connectivity and contributing to India’s high-speed rail transformation.

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