Bullet Train Project Completes First 40m Box Girder for Maharashtra Section

25 Jan 2025 CW Team

The 40-meter-long girder, weighing approximately 970 metric tonne, stands as the heaviest PSC Box Girder in India’s construction history. Cast as a single piece without construction joints, the girder demonstrates a major advancement in India’s rail infrastructure. It required 390 cubic meters of concrete and 42 metric tons of steel, reflecting the engineering precision involved in its production. This achievement is part of efforts to expedite viaduct construction, with substructure and superstructure work being carried out simultaneously to accelerate project progress.

The release stated that substructure work—comprising the construction of piles, pile caps, piers, and pier caps—is underway, while 13 casting yards have been developed along the Maharashtra alignment, extending from Shilphata to the Gujarat-Maharashtra border. Currently, three of these casting yards are operational, equipped to produce both full-span and segmental box girders. The full-span 40-meter girders, which enable construction progress up to ten times faster than segmental girders, will be used extensively.

Advanced machinery such as Straddle Carriers, Bridge Launching Gantries, and Girder Transporters will launch the full-span girders. To ensure seamless construction, the girders will be pre-cast in advance and systematically stored at the casting yards. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including jigs for rebar cage production, hydraulically operated prefabricated moulds, batching plants, and quality control laboratories, to maintain high standards and streamline the process.

The Maharashtra section of the Bullet Train corridor spans 135 kilometers and features critical infrastructure, including four major river bridges (Ulhas, Vaitarna, Jagani, and Kharbao), 11 special bridges over national highways and railway lines, and three stations located in Thane, Virar, and Boisar. Additionally, seven mountain tunnels are planned along the route.

The release further noted that the approach to girder construction and the development of casting yards has already proven successful in the Gujarat section of the corridor. Significant progress has been achieved there since April 2021, with 255 kilometres of viaduct completed, highlighting the effectiveness of this innovative technology.

News source: ET Infra

The National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) has achieved a significant milestone in the construction of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor by successfully casting its first Full Span Pre-Stressed Concrete (PSC) Box Girder for the Maharashtra section. The 40-meter-long girder, weighing approximately 970 metric tonne, stands as the heaviest PSC Box Girder in India’s construction history. Cast as a single piece without construction joints, the girder demonstrates a major advancement in India’s rail infrastructure. It required 390 cubic meters of concrete and 42 metric tons of steel, reflecting the engineering precision involved in its production. This achievement is part of efforts to expedite viaduct construction, with substructure and superstructure work being carried out simultaneously to accelerate project progress. The release stated that substructure work—comprising the construction of piles, pile caps, piers, and pier caps—is underway, while 13 casting yards have been developed along the Maharashtra alignment, extending from Shilphata to the Gujarat-Maharashtra border. Currently, three of these casting yards are operational, equipped to produce both full-span and segmental box girders. The full-span 40-meter girders, which enable construction progress up to ten times faster than segmental girders, will be used extensively. Advanced machinery such as Straddle Carriers, Bridge Launching Gantries, and Girder Transporters will launch the full-span girders. To ensure seamless construction, the girders will be pre-cast in advance and systematically stored at the casting yards. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including jigs for rebar cage production, hydraulically operated prefabricated moulds, batching plants, and quality control laboratories, to maintain high standards and streamline the process. The Maharashtra section of the Bullet Train corridor spans 135 kilometers and features critical infrastructure, including four major river bridges (Ulhas, Vaitarna, Jagani, and Kharbao), 11 special bridges over national highways and railway lines, and three stations located in Thane, Virar, and Boisar. Additionally, seven mountain tunnels are planned along the route. The release further noted that the approach to girder construction and the development of casting yards has already proven successful in the Gujarat section of the corridor. Significant progress has been achieved there since April 2021, with 255 kilometres of viaduct completed, highlighting the effectiveness of this innovative technology. News source: ET Infra

Building Material

03 Dec 2025

Cement Makers Positive on H2 Demand Outlook

The leading cement producers have posted high single-digit volume growth and better sales realisation in the July–September quarter, setting a positive tone for the second half of FY26. Companies are upbeat on demand prospects, supported by a strong housing sector and continued government spending on major infrastructure projects. UltraTech, Ambuja Cement, Shree Cement, Dalmia Bharat and Nuvoco Vistas recorded revenue growth of up to 18 per cent in the September quarter. The rise was driven by firm realisations, softer input costs and an increased share of premium products. With coal price..

Infrastructure Urban

03 Dec 2025

Odisha Targets Role as MSME Hub for Eastern India

Odisha has set its sights on becoming the MSME gateway of eastern India, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said at the Odisha Industrial Conclave 2025, organised by Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB). Calling the state a land of possibilities, he noted that Odisha has emerged as a leading destination for micro, small and medium enterprises.He said that reforms such as the Go-Swift single-window system now allow project approvals within a day. Odisha has also invested 6.1 per cent of its GDP in infrastructure development, which is expected to further accelerate industrial and MSME growth.Majhi emphasise..

Infrastructure Energy

03 Dec 2025

Coal Ministry Eases Process for Exploration and GR Approvals

The Ministry of Coal has introduced a simplified approval mechanism for exploration programmes and Geological Reports (GRs) for coal and lignite blocks. The reform aims to accelerate exploration activity, reduce procedural delays and strengthen India’s preparedness for rising energy demand.Under the revised process, reports prepared by Notified Accredited Prospecting Agencies (APAs) and peer-reviewed by another accredited agency no longer require approval from the committee set up in January 2022. This marks a major shift towards faster, more transparent and technology-driven exploration.By ..