Adding momentum to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor, a launching gantry is steadily progressing span by span in Gujarat’s Kheda district, with continuous round-the-clock operations to fast-track construction.
The ambitious high-speed rail project has now also achieved a major milestone with the completion of 300 km of viaducts, marking a significant step forward in India’s journey toward modern rail infrastructure. This progress was celebrated with the successful launching of a massive 40-meter full-span box girder near Surat, Gujarat.
The launching gantry forges ahead span by span on the viaduct in Kheda district, with continuous operations underway day and night to fast-track the Bullet Train corridor.#BuildingDayAndNight pic.twitter.com/58Md5URTJV
— NHSRCL (@nhsrcl) May 21, 2025
Out of the total 300 km of viaduct superstructure, 257.4 km has been constructed using the Full Span Launching Method (FSLM), which includes 14 river bridges. Another 37.8 km is completed through the Span by Span (SBS) method, alongside 0.9 km of steel bridges and 1.2 km of PSC bridges. Additionally, 2.7 km of viaduct is part of the station building structures.
The project utilized 6,455 spans of 40 meters each for FSLM and 925 spans for SBS viaducts. These figures underscore the scale and complexity of the construction effort.
A standout feature of the project is the extensive use of indigenous equipment, such as Straddle Carriers, Launching Gantries, Bridge Gantries, and Girder Transporters, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in advanced rail infrastructure. This development has been supported by collaboration with the Japanese government, strengthening the technology transfer.
The Full Span Launching Method has greatly accelerated construction timelines, allowing girder erection to be completed up to ten times faster than traditional segmental methods. Each full-span box girder weighs approximately 970 metric tons, with segmental girders deployed only in locations where full-span installation is not feasible.
To support construction logistics, 27 dedicated casting yards have been set up along the corridor. Steel bridges are fabricated at seven workshops located across the country, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, reflecting national unity in this mega infrastructure project.
Noise mitigation has also been prioritized, with over 3 lakh noise barriers installed along the viaducts to reduce sound impact once operations begin.
Additional progress includes the completion of 383 km of pier work, 401 km of foundation work, and 326 km of girder casting. Meanwhile, thematic bullet train stations are rapidly taking shape, designed to integrate seamlessly with road and rail transport networks and equipped with modern passenger amenities.
Track work is underway, with around 157 track kilometers of reinforced concrete track beds constructed so far in Gujarat. Rolling stock depots featuring state-of-the-art infrastructure are also nearing completion in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
This milestone not only highlights the project’s robust planning and engineering but also stands as a testament to the successful implementation of the “Make in India” initiative in the high-speed rail sector.