The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR), also known as the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project, has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of all nine river bridges between Vapi and Surat. The latest bridge constructed is over the Kharera River in Navsari district, Gujarat, making it the twelfth completed river bridge in the region. This accomplishment marks progress on the 508-kilometer high-speed rail corridor that aims to transform rail travel in India by connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad with a top speed of 320 km/h.
The Kharera River bridge, spanning 120 meters in length, is supported by three full-span girders measuring 40 meters each. Its piers rise between 14.5 and 19 meters in height, with one circular pier of 4 meters and three measuring 5 meters in diameter. Situated between Vapi and Bilimora stations, the bridge is part of several new crossings over rivers that flow through the corridor. Nine other completed bridges along the Vapi-Surat route span rivers such as Kolak, Par, and Auranga, showcasing progress on the ambitious high-speed rail project.
In addition to the completed river bridges on the Vapi-Surat section, three other bridges in Vadodara and Kheda districts have been constructed over the Dhadhar, Mohar, and Vatrak rivers. These accomplishments highlight the dedication to infrastructure development and regional connectivity in the western states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. The MAHSR project, in collaboration with Japan, aims to reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to approximately two hours, significantly shorter than the current six-hour journey by conventional rail.
The MAHSR project is a visionary initiative by the Indian government that promises a new era of safety, speed, and service for the people. This transformative project is poised to make Indian Railways an international leader in scale, speed, and skill. By connecting major business centers such as Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad, the high-speed rail corridor is expected to boost economic development and employment opportunities in the region. With a sanctioned cost of Rs 1,08,000 crore, the MAHSR project symbolizes a significant step towards enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in India.
Overall, the completion of the river bridges along the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train route signifies a key milestone in the progress of the MAHSR project. This achievement underscores the commitment to transforming rail travel in India and boosting regional connectivity and economic development in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The high-speed rail corridor, with its top speed of 320 km/h, is set to revolutionize travel between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, reducing the journey time significantly and enhancing the overall transportation infrastructure in the country. As construction on the project continues, the MAHSR is on track to become a landmark initiative in India’s infrastructure development journey.
