The Thane station on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor is being designed differently from conventional railway stations, with its concourse planned around 12 metres above the natural ground level. The elevated design is aimed at minimising the impact on mangroves in the environmentally sensitive area.
The 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor is being developed by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) across Maharashtra, Gujarat and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
According to NHSRCL, the unusual height of the Thane station is primarily linked to environmental considerations. “At Thane, the station has been designed with the concourse level approximately 12 metres above the natural ground level to preserve the mangroves in the eco-sensitive area,” the NHSRCL said in a statement.
The station’s design has also been influenced by its location near the Ulhas River. The roof of the entrance building reportedly draws inspiration from the form and movement of waves, reflecting the surrounding landscape.
Three elevated stations in Maharashtra
The Thane station is part of the 135.45-km elevated section of the high-speed rail corridor in Maharashtra. This stretch will run from Shilphata in Thane district to Zaroli village near the Maharashtra-Gujarat border and will include stations at Thane, Virar and Boisar.
Around 124.027 km of the Maharashtra section will consist of viaducts and bridges, making elevated construction a major component of the route.
The alignment will pass through a mix of urban areas, hills and environmentally sensitive zones. Seven mountain tunnels are planned, with three already achieving breakthrough. Drainage, waterproofing and tunnel lining work is now progressing at these locations.
Several major river crossings are also being constructed, including a 460-metre bridge over the Ulhas River, a 2.32-km bridge over the Vaitarna River and a 510-metre bridge across the Jagani River.
The route will additionally feature 36 bridges and crossings, including 12 steel bridges over railway lines, the Ulhas River, Mumbai-Nashik Highway and other key locations.
Construction gathers pace
Pier construction is underway across more than 100 km of the Maharashtra section, with around 74 km of piers completed and ready for viaduct girders.
Construction is supported by nine casting yards, seven full-span launching gantries and eight SBS launching gantries. Work at the Thane, Virar and Boisar stations is also progressing as part of the elevated corridor.
The elevated design at Thane is therefore intended to balance the requirements of high-speed rail infrastructure with the need to protect the region’s sensitive mangrove ecosystem.
Source: News18
