Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Advances With First Steel Bridge Launched in Maharashtra

100-Meter Steel Bridge Installed Over Mumbai-Nashik Highway in Bhiwandi

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project has achieved a major construction milestone in Maharashtra with the successful launch of the state’s first steel bridge for the bullet train corridor.

The 100-meter-long bridge was installed over the Mumbai-Nashik Highway near Dive-Anjur village in Bhiwandi, Thane district. The massive structure weighs around 1,405 metric tonnes and was positioned during a planned nighttime traffic block to reduce disruption on the busy highway.

The bridge is part of the infrastructure being developed for India’s first high-speed rail corridor, which requires several large structures to cross existing highways, expressways, railway lines and other important infrastructure.

Steel Bridge Fabricated 1,300 Kilometers Away

The bridge was manufactured at a specialized steel fabrication facility in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, approximately 1,300 kilometers from Bhiwandi.

After fabrication, the large steel components were transported to Maharashtra using heavy-duty trailers. Once they reached the construction site, the components were assembled on temporary trestles before the complete structure was moved into its final position.

The process demonstrates the scale of planning required to manufacture, transport and install large steel structures for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.

Advanced Quality Checks Used During Fabrication

The steel bridge was manufactured according to approved engineering designs, drawings and technical specifications. The fabrication process included precision cutting, drilling, welding and painting of individual steel components.

Ultrasonic testing was carried out on steel used in different production batches to check structural quality. Welders and supervisors working on the fabrication were also certified by international welding experts.

At the Bhiwandi site, the bridge was assembled at a height of approximately 17.5 meters using temporary trestles. The assembly involved 22 skid arrangements and more than 54,000 Tor-Shear Type High Strength Bolts.

A C5 protective painting system has been provided to improve the structure’s long-term durability. Elastomeric bearings have also been installed to support the bridge and help manage vibration.

Hydraulic Jacks Helped Position the 1,405-Tonne Structure

After assembly, the bridge was moved into its final position using two hollow hydraulic jacks, each with a capacity of 150 metric tonnes.

Pre-tensioned Macalloy bars and an automated mechanism helped pull the structure forward in a controlled manner. The launching work was completed during a nighttime traffic block, allowing the construction team to carry out the operation while limiting the impact on highway traffic.

The installation was completed in stages while following the required safety and engineering procedures for the movement of the massive steel structure.

28 Steel Bridges Planned Along the Bullet Train Corridor

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor requires steel bridges at locations where the alignment needs to cross major roads, highways, expressways, railway lines and rivers.

A total of 28 steel bridges are planned along the corridor. According to the project details provided, 16 steel bridges have been completed so far.

The Bhiwandi bridge is the first steel bridge completed in Maharashtra for the high-speed rail project.

Bhiwandi Bridge Highlights Large-Scale Engineering

The newly launched structure measures 100 meters in length, 14 meters in height and 14 meters in width. Its fabrication in Trichy and transportation over roughly 1,300 kilometers before final assembly in Bhiwandi involved extensive logistics and detailed construction planning.

The successful installation at Dive-Anjur represents another step in the development of the Maharashtra section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor.

With the rail alignment passing through busy urban and transportation areas, large-span steel structures are being used at important crossings to support the high-speed rail line while reducing interference with existing road and rail networks.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Bridge: Key Specifications

• Bridge length: The steel bridge is 100 meters long.
• Weight: The structure weighs approximately 1,405 metric tonnes.
• Height: The bridge has a height of 14 meters.
• Width: The structure is 14 meters wide.
• Fabrication location: The bridge was fabricated in Trichy, Tamil Nadu.
• Installation location: It was installed at Dive-Anjur in Bhiwandi, Thane district.
• Transportation distance: The bridge was transported approximately 1,300 kilometers from Trichy to Bhiwandi.
• Steel bridges planned: A total of 28 steel bridges are planned along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor.
• Steel bridges completed: According to the provided project details, 16 steel bridges have been completed so far.