Click it and Unblock the Notifications
India's ambitious bullet train project has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of a 2.7-kilometre section of a 21-kilometre undersea tunnel.
This tunnel, part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail line, stretches between Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Thane. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared this development on social media, highlighting the project's progress.
Construction Techniques and Progress
The tunnel construction employs two distinct methods. Five kilometres are being built using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) between Shilphata and Ghansoli. The remaining portion is constructed with Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). A seven-kilometre section runs beneath Thane Creek, as stated by the Ministry of Railways.
To expedite the NATM section, a continuous 2.7-kilometre tunnel was created using an Additional Driven Intermediate Tunnel (ADIT). This approach aims to enhance efficiency in completing this crucial infrastructure project.
Overall Project Developments
The bullet train project has also made strides in other areas. A total of 310 kilometres of viaduct construction is now complete. Additionally, track laying, overhead electrical wire installation, and station construction are advancing rapidly across Maharashtra.
The Japanese government has agreed to introduce E10 Shinkansen trains for this project. These trains will operate on the 508-kilometre Mumbai-Ahmedabad route. Japan's current high-speed rail network primarily uses E5 series trains, but the E10 series represents the next generation.
Station and Bridge Construction
Significant progress has been made in station and bridge construction as well. Out of 12 stations planned for the route, five have been completed, while three more are nearing completion. Work on 15 river bridges is finished, with four others in advanced stages.
The BKC station stands out as an engineering marvel. It will be located 32.5 metres underground and designed to support a building rising 95 metres above ground level.
Future Prospects for High-Speed Rail
The success of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project is paving the way for future bullet train corridors in India. These potential corridors are currently under active consideration by authorities.
This project marks India's first venture into high-speed rail using Japanese Shinkansen technology. It signifies a strategic partnership between Japan and India, with both countries introducing E10 Shinkansen trains simultaneously.
As India's bullet train project progresses, it promises to revolutionise travel between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The advancements in construction techniques and international collaboration underscore its importance in shaping India's transportation future.
