December 17, 2025: The Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor has achieved a major construction milestone with the successful launching of a 130-metre-long steel bridge span near Bharuch in Gujarat. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) said the span forms part of a 230-metre continuous steel bridge crossing National Highway 64 and the Bharuch–Dahej freight railway line, marking a significant step in advancing the ambitious bullet train project.
The bridge structure rises approximately 18 metres above ground, measures close to 15 metres in width, and weighs nearly 2,780 metric tonnes. According to officials, the installation process took around 12 hours and was executed with meticulous planning to minimise inconvenience to road users and freight rail operations. Steel components for the bridge were fabricated in Bhuj and later assembled on temporary supports at a height of about 14 metres before being positioned using specialised hydraulic jacking systems.
To ensure long-term durability, the bridge incorporates over 1,22,146 high-strength Tor Shear bolts, protective anti-corrosion coatings and metallic bearings, giving it an estimated design life of 100 years. The launch required short blocks on freight rail traffic and temporary diversions on adjoining roads, with safety protocols in place to avoid major disruptions.
Progress on the broader corridor continues steadily. Viaduct construction has been completed along more than 330 kilometres, while pier works have advanced across 408 kilometres. Noise mitigation measures are also being implemented, with over 4.7 lakh noise barriers installed along 235 kilometres of the alignment. Reinforced concrete track bed construction has been completed for nearly 260 kilometres, and electrification work, including the installation of overhead masts, is ongoing.
In parallel, tunnel construction in hilly sections and underground works in the Mumbai region are progressing, while stations and maintenance depots in both Gujarat and Maharashtra are at different stages of development. The project is being built using Japanese Shinkansen technology, with NHSRCL coordinating closely with contractors and local authorities to keep existing transport networks functional during construction.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed progress at the Surat station and emphasised documenting on-ground experiences to enhance efficiency and support future high-speed rail initiatives. As civil works move towards completion, the focus will increasingly shift to track laying, system integration, testing and station fit-outs, bringing the corridor closer to operational readiness.
