India’s first ‘Make in India’ steel bridge for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project is nearing completion, marking a major milestone in the country’s high-speed rail infrastructure. The 200-meter-long steel bridge, located near Nadiad, Gujarat, is an engineering feat that reinforces India’s commitment to self-reliant infrastructure development.
Engineering Excellence and Key Features
The steel bridge, positioned near National Highway 48, is a two-span structure with each span measuring 100 meters in length. It has a width of 14.3 meters and a height of 14.6 meters, built using tension control high-strength bolts. The bridge was manufactured at the Salasar workshop in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, further showcasing indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
Steel bridges are critical components in railway infrastructure, offering flexibility and robust support for crossings over existing rail lines and highways.
Progress and Future Plans
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project will feature 28 steel bridges, with 17 in Gujarat and 11 in Maharashtra. So far, six steel bridges have been completed in Gujarat, highlighting steady progress.
The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) aims to operationalize the first bullet train section in Gujarat by 2026, moving India closer to its high-speed rail aspirations.
