The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project has achieved notable progress in its bridge construction segment, with a majority of river crossings either completed or in advanced stages of execution.
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha on March 25, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared updates on the 508-kilometre corridor, which includes a total of 25 river bridges.
So far, construction has been completed on 17 river bridges, primarily across Gujarat. These include structures over rivers such as Meshwa, Vatrak, Mohar (Shedhi), Vishwamitri, Dhadhar, Kim, Mindhola, Purna, Ambika, Venganiya, Kaveri, Kharera, Auranga, Par, Kolak, Daman Ganga, and Darotha. Most medium-span bridges in the state are now operationally ready.
Work on larger and more complex river crossings is progressing steadily. On the Sabarmati River, which spans 480 metres, substructure construction has been completed, and work on the superstructure is currently underway. Similarly, the Mahi River bridge (720 metres) has seen 11 out of 12 wells completed, with five spans already launched. For the Tapi River bridge, also 720 metres in length, foundation work is advancing, with 10 of the 12 wells completed.
In Maharashtra, however, bridge construction is at relatively earlier stages. Key structures include those over the Ulhas River (120 metres), Vaitarna River (2,320 metres), Jagani River (360 metres), and Desai Khadi (400 metres). The Jagani River bridge has completed its foundation work, while a temporary access bridge has been constructed at the Ulhas River site to support further activity.
Meanwhile, the Vaitarna River bridge has progressed with 12 pile caps and 11 piers completed out of a planned 58. The Desai Khadi bridge has completed geotechnical investigations and is currently in the design phase.
Overall, the steady advancement of bridge construction marks a crucial milestone in the development of India’s first high-speed rail corridor.
Source: Swarajya
