Ahmedabad: The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has completed a significant milestone in the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project by finishing the construction of a 160-meter bridge over the Kolak river in Gujarat's Valsad district. This bridge is one of the 24 river bridges planned along the 508-kilometer corridor, and so far, nine have been completed, according to an official update on Tuesday.

The newly completed bridge, situated between the Vapi and Bilimora stations, consists of four full-span girders, each measuring 40 meters. The Kolak river flows from the Saputara hills near Valveri and merges with the Arabian Sea, located seven kilometers from Vapi and 43 kilometers from Bilimora railway stations.

In addition to the Kolak river bridge, the NHSRCL has constructed bridges over the Par and Auranga rivers in Valsad, the Purna, Mindhola, Ambika, and Venganiya rivers in Navsari, the Mohar river in Kheda, and the Dhadhar river in Vadodara district. Work on bridges over the Narmada, Tapti, Mahi, and Sabarmati rivers is currently underway.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor will feature 12 stations along its 508-kilometer route, with eight stations located in Gujarat and four in Maharashtra. The Gujarat stations will be at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, and Vapi. The Maharashtra stations will be at Boisar, Virar, Thane, and Mumbai.

NHSRCL has reported rapid progress in the construction of these stations, with foundation work completed at all eight stations in Gujarat and the superstructure construction in advanced stages. These stations will offer modern amenities and are being developed as transport hubs, integrating various modes of transportation such as autos, buses, and taxis for seamless connectivity.

As of July 2, NHSRCL has awarded all civil contracts and completed 190 kilometers of the viaduct and 321 kilometers of pier work. Land acquisition for the project is complete in Gujarat, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Maharashtra. The first mountain tunnel, spanning 350 meters near Zaroli village in Valsad, has been completed, and work has begun on the nation's first 7-kilometer undersea rail tunnel, part of a 21-kilometer tunnel between BKC and Shilphata in Maharashtra.

The government aims to commence the bullet train's first phase, covering the Surat to Bilimora section in south Gujarat, by 2026. The entire 508-kilometer route is expected to be traversed in approximately three to three-and-a-half hours.

Recent Updates:

Mumbai Train Bombings: 17 Years After Train Bombings: A Look Back

Heavy Rains in Mumbai, These Train Cancelled, School Closed

Panchavati Express Coaches Detach Near Mumbai, Resumes Journey After Brief Delay