STN: A major milestone was achieved on 9 December 2025 for India’s high-speed rail ambitions. A 130-metre span of a two-span continuous steel bridge was successfully launched for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train project. This new structure marks important progress for the country’s first bullet train corridor, strengthening both connectivity and engineering capability.
Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Bridge: Key Details of the launch
Engineers launched the massive steel span at Kanthariya village in Bharuch. The bridge consists of two spans, 130 metres and 100 metres. The newly launched 130-metre span stands 18 metres high and weighs an impressive 2,780 metric tons.
The launch took place over NH-64 and the Bharuch–Dahej freight line of Indian Railways. The task required extreme precision. An automatic mechanism supported by high-accuracy jacks moved the span into its exact position. Each step demanded coordination, safety checks, and engineering accuracy.
This location is one of the most challenging sections of the corridor because the bridge crosses both a national highway and an active railway route. Teams worked with strict safety protocols to ensure there was no disruption to ongoing road and freight movement.
Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Bridge: Why This Milestone Matters
The steel bridge launch highlights the project’s increasing pace. Such large-scale steel structures are essential to carry high-speed trains safely over highways, rivers, and railway lines. The 130-metre span showcases India’s ability to execute complex infrastructure projects using advanced construction technology.
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Bridge also demonstrates a shift toward automation. The use of automatic launching systems reduces human error. It increases speed and safety. These technologies also support smoother project execution, especially in difficult terrain.
Once completed, the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train will link two major economic hubs. Travel time will shrink dramatically. The project will also boost investment, create jobs, and support faster movement of goods and people. Each completed structure, including this bridge, brings India one step closer to high-speed rail travel.
What’s Next?
Work will now continue on the remaining span and adjoining structures. Testing, alignment checks, and welding work will follow. The project authority will also prepare for track installation and related systems. More steel bridges along the corridor are scheduled for launch in the coming months.
FAQ
A: The bridge is located near Kanthariya village in Bharuch, Gujarat, crossing NH-64 and the Bharuch–Dahej railway line.
A: It ensures safe, uninterrupted passage of high-speed trains over major road and rail routes. It is also one of the longest and heaviest spans in the corridor.
A: The 130-metre span weighs 2,780 metric tons.
A: An automatic launching mechanism with precision jacks was used to move the massive steel span into place.
A: It stands 18 metres high.
Additional Information
- Continuous steel bridges are preferred for high-speed rail because they offer better vibration control and stability.
- The Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor requires over 28 steel bridges, many custom-designed for heavy loads and high-speed dynamics.
- Each steel span undergoes multiple stress tests before and after installation.
- Night-time windows are often used for work near active railway lines to minimise disruption.
- The entire corridor will feature viaducts, tunnels, stations, depots, and advanced signalling systems.
