First steel bridge launched for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train in Maharashtra
A 100-metre steel bridge for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project has been launched over NH-3 in Thane, marking a major milestone for Make in India.
In a massive boost to India's high-speed rail ambitions, the first steel bridge for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project in Maharashtra has been successfully launched. The 100-metre-long structure, weighing a staggering 1,405 MT, was installed over the NH-3 (Nashik Highway) at Dive-Anjur village in Thane district on Monday.
A Milestone for Make in India
This achievement is not just a construction milestone but a testament to the country's growing industrial prowess. The bridge was fabricated at a workshop in Trichy, Tamil Nadu—roughly 1,300 km away from the installation site. This demonstrates the ability of Indian industry to manufacture and deliver complex, high-tech infrastructure components required for one of the nation's most advanced rail projects.
The fabrication process involved extreme precision, including specialized cutting, drilling, welding, and painting. To ensure the highest quality standards, every production batch of steel underwent rigorous Ultrasonic Testing (UT), and the work was overseen by welders and supervisors certified by International Welding Experts.
Complex Engineering and Precision Installation
The installation of such a massive structure required meticulous planning to avoid disrupting highway commuters. The operation was carried out during night traffic blocks on the National Highway using an automatic mechanism. Key technical details of the installation included:
- Assembly: The bridge was assembled on temporary trestles approximately 17.5 metres above ground level.
- Hardware: The structure utilized 22 skid arrangements and 54,076 Tor-Shear Type High Strength Bolts (TTHSB).
- Mechanism: Two hollow jacks, each with a 150 MT capacity, along with pre-tensioned Macalloy Bars, were used to pull the bridge into its final position.
- Durability: To manage vibrations and ensure longevity, the bridge features elastomeric bearings and a C5 protective painting system.
Project Specifications and Progress
Steel bridges are essential for high-speed rail corridors because they are ideal for crossing highways, expressways, and major rivers where long spans are necessary. The dimensions for this specific structure are as follows:
- Length: 100 metres
- Width: 14 metres
- Height: 14 metres
- Total Weight: 1,405 MT
This launch marks a significant step forward in the corridor's construction. Out of the 28 steel bridges planned for the entire Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor, 16 have now been successfully completed.