The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, popularly known as the bullet train project, is rapidly gaining momentum, with the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) underground station construction now reaching 75% completion. This station will serve as the starting point for India’s first bullet train, dramatically reducing travel time between the two cities to just two hours and revolutionising regional connectivity.
The scale of construction at the BKC site is monumental. Over 14 lakh cubic metres of soil have been removed to prepare the site’s foundation, followed by the pouring of 25,000 cubic metres of concrete for the base slab. In total, around 2 lakh cubic metres of concrete will be used, showcasing the massive engineering efforts driving the project forward.
The bullet train route will include a 21-kilometre underground stretch between BKC and Shilphata, predominantly constructed using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) to tackle dense soil and rock conditions. An additional five-kilometre tunnel stretch will employ the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), ideal for loose soils and hilly terrains. Tunnel construction at critical sites such as Shilphata and two ADIT portals is already underway. These portals will double up as emergency exits and maintenance points, ensuring operational safety.
Further progress includes the construction of two deep vertical shafts at Vikhroli and Sawali, crucial for ventilation and future maintenance. The Vikhroli shaft reaches a depth of 56 metres, while the Sawali shaft goes down 39 metres, reinforcing safety and operational efficiency standards.
The completion of the BKC station represents a major milestone for India’s ambitious high-speed rail ambitions. Beyond infrastructure, it sets the stage for a future where sustainable, efficient, and modern transportation becomes central to India’s urban growth. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, aligned with national goals of sustainable development and infrastructure-driven economic growth, is poised to be a transformative force.
As work continues to progress at an accelerated pace, the project promises not only to enhance connectivity between Mumbai and Ahmedabad but also to serve as a benchmark for future high-speed rail initiatives across India. The BKC station’s rapid development underscores India’s growing commitment to world-class infrastructure and greener, faster travel solutions.
Source: Urban Acres
