Rail Welding Begins for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Rail Welding Begins for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has commenced rail welding operations for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project in Gujarat, marking a critical milestone before track laying begins on the 508-kilometer route designed for speeds of 320 km/h. The project uses 25-meter-long rails imported from Japan, which are fused into 200-meter panels using advanced flash butt welding technology. NHSRCL has already produced 298 panels, equating to around 60 kilometers of track. The process includes grinding rail ends, aligning them for precise fusion, and performing rigorous inspections using magnetic particle and ultrasonic testing to ensure weld integrity. Specialised Japanese rail tread measuring equipment verifies alignment, and 200-meter panels are transported along the route using a rail feeder car for installation. The rails are then secured to track slabs using fasteners. Four track construction bases operate in Gujarat, with two between Surat and Bilimora and two between Vadodara and Anand. So far, 64 kilometers of reinforced concrete track bed has been completed, with over 23,000 slabs cast at facilities in Kim and Anand, covering 118 kilometers of track. The bullet train route, which is 90% elevated, will feature 12 stations, including Mumbai, Thane, Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati. The Bandra Kurla Complex station in Mumbai will be the only underground facility. Initially launched in 2017 with an estimated cost of Rs 1080 billion and a completion target of December 2023, the project faced delays due to land acquisition hurdles in Maharashtra and the Covid-19 pandemic. NHSRCL now aims to complete the entire route by late 2028, with the Gujarat section potentially opening in 2027. Once operational, the bullet train will slash travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to three hours, significantly faster than the current Vande Bharat Express, which takes about five and a half hours. (Hindustan Times)

The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has commenced rail welding operations for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project in Gujarat, marking a critical milestone before track laying begins on the 508-kilometer route designed for speeds of 320 km/h. The project uses 25-meter-long rails imported from Japan, which are fused into 200-meter panels using advanced flash butt welding technology. NHSRCL has already produced 298 panels, equating to around 60 kilometers of track. The process includes grinding rail ends, aligning them for precise fusion, and performing rigorous inspections using magnetic particle and ultrasonic testing to ensure weld integrity. Specialised Japanese rail tread measuring equipment verifies alignment, and 200-meter panels are transported along the route using a rail feeder car for installation. The rails are then secured to track slabs using fasteners. Four track construction bases operate in Gujarat, with two between Surat and Bilimora and two between Vadodara and Anand. So far, 64 kilometers of reinforced concrete track bed has been completed, with over 23,000 slabs cast at facilities in Kim and Anand, covering 118 kilometers of track. The bullet train route, which is 90% elevated, will feature 12 stations, including Mumbai, Thane, Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati. The Bandra Kurla Complex station in Mumbai will be the only underground facility. Initially launched in 2017 with an estimated cost of Rs 1080 billion and a completion target of December 2023, the project faced delays due to land acquisition hurdles in Maharashtra and the Covid-19 pandemic. NHSRCL now aims to complete the entire route by late 2028, with the Gujarat section potentially opening in 2027. Once operational, the bullet train will slash travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to three hours, significantly faster than the current Vande Bharat Express, which takes about five and a half hours. (Hindustan Times)

Next Story
Equipment

Putzmeister Unveils Latest Addition to Stationary Concrete Pump Range

Putzmeister, a global leader in concrete equipment and pumping solutions, proudly launches its latest product BSA 1405 D Classic, a stationary concrete pump through an on-ground customer engagement campaign — the “Putzmeister Concrete Dastak Roadshow”. The BSA 1405 D Classic – Performance Simplified, represents the latest addition to Putzmeister’s robust product portfolio — engineered to perform reliably in demanding site conditions with simple, user-friendly controls and low maintenance needs. Tailored for residential buildings, mid-rise projects, bridges, and long-distance pumpin..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

NHAI to Create Asset Register for Long-Term Monetisation

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to develop a comprehensive register of highway stretches with long-term monetisation potential, aimed at maximising the value of road assets and providing better strategic visibility for investors.Currently, NHAI issues an annual list of highways proposed for monetisation through either the toll-operate-transfer (TOT) model or infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs). The newly planned register will supplement this yearly list, enabling investors to frame long-term strategies based on a broader pipeline of viable assets.For the 2025 finan..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Statiq and HPCL Partner to Boost EV Charging Network Across India

In a major step towards building a robust electric vehicle (EV) charging ecosystem in India, Statiq is proud to announce its partnership with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL), one of the country’s leading oil marketing companies. Under this strategic collaboration, Statiq will onboard HPCL’s entire charging network — both existing and upcoming — onto the Statiq mobile app through its flagship EVLinq platform.This integration adds over 5,100 chargers from HPCL’s network, including 2,900 DC fast chargers, to Statiq’s platform, significantly strengthening one of India’s larges..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?