New Delhi, August 25: India’s first bullet train project is rapidly taking shape. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared insights on the ongoing construction activities in Maharashtra’s Thane and Palghar districts, highlighting the swift progress of this ambitious high-speed rail initiative.
In a video message posted on Instagram, Minister Vaishnaw informed that the construction spans a 135.45-kilometer elevated corridor from Shilphata in Thane district to Zaroli village at the Maharashtra-Gujarat border.
This section is a crucial part of the bullet train project, which aims to strengthen India’s first high-speed rail network by connecting diverse geographical conditions and natural areas. The project includes the construction of a total of 124.027 kilometers of viaducts and bridges, facilitating seamless and high-speed train operations.
Three modern elevated bullet train stations are being constructed in Maharashtra, specifically in Thane, Virar, and Boisar. Thane station is designed with a special environmental perspective.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the concourse level of Thane station is being built approximately 12 meters above the natural ground level to protect the sensitive mangrove forests in the area and minimize environmental impact.
The minister noted significant progress in the construction work. Over 100 kilometers of pier construction is ongoing, with piers completed in approximately 74 kilometers, where viaduct girders are now being installed.
To expedite construction, nine casting yards, seven full-span launching gantries, and eight span-by-span launching gantries are actively operational in Maharashtra. The use of modern engineering techniques aims to complete the project within the scheduled timeframe.
The bullet train route includes the construction of seven mountain tunnels, three of which have achieved breakthrough status, connecting both ends.
Currently, critical tasks such as drainage, waterproofing, and tunnel lining are progressing rapidly in these tunnels.
According to the government, this project is one of the most complex and advanced engineering endeavors in the history of Indian Railways.
The high-speed rail corridor also involves the construction of several significant river bridges, including a 460-meter bridge over the Ulhas River, a 2.32-kilometer bridge over the Vaitarna River, and a 510-meter bridge over the Jagani River.
Additionally, a total of 36 bridges and crossings are being constructed, including 12 steel bridges that will cross major railway lines, the Ulhas River, the Mumbai-Nashik Highway, and other important routes.
The Ministry of Railways states that the ongoing construction in Thane and Palghar showcases the scale and engineering capability of India’s first bullet train project. Under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a developed and modern India, and the leadership of Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the country is rapidly expanding its next-generation railway infrastructure.
Upon completion, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project will place India among a select group of countries with a state-of-the-art high-speed rail network. This project is set to not only reduce travel time but also invigorate economic activities, attract investments, and promote regional development.
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