The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet train project has crossed another major milestone with the successful launch of the second 100-meter steel bridge span over National Highway 48 (NH-48) near Nadiad, Gujarat. This achievement adds momentum to India’s first high-speed rail project, marking engineering excellence and seamless coordination to minimize disruption on one of the busiest highways in the country.
Here’s everything you need to know about this remarkable engineering feat.
1. Second 100-Meter Span Successfully Launched
The National High Speed rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) confirmed that the second 100-meter span of the steel bridge was launched across NH-48 on september 3. This completes the 200-meter-long steel bridge comprising two spans, each measuring 100 meters.
The first span was launched in April 2025, and the second has now been seamlessly placed, bringing this segment to completion.
2. Massive Structure With Staggering Weight
This steel bridge is no ordinary construction — it’s a giant engineering marvel:
- Length: 200 meters (2 x 100m spans)
- Height: 14.6 meters
- Width: 14.3 meters
- Weight: 2,884 metric tons
Fabricated at a specialized workshop in Salasar, near hapur in Uttar Pradesh, the bridge has been designed to last 100 years.
3. Engineering Precision on NH-48
NH-48 is among India’s busiest highways, connecting Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, and it handles six lanes of traffic (three on each side). Launching such a massive span without halting traffic was a huge challenge.
To achieve this:
- The 100m span was slid across three lanes.
- A carefully timed schedule ensured minimal disruption.
- Traffic movement remained smooth and safe throughout the process.
4. Complex assembly Process
The bridge wasn’t built on the highway directly but carefully assembled on temporary trestles at a height of 14.9 meters above the ground.
The launch mechanism included:
- Two semi-automatic jacks, each capable of lifting 250 tons.
- Mac-alloy bars for precise movement.
- An automatic sliding system for steady placement.
This level of mechanization ensured accuracy, safety, and speed during installation.
5. Use of High-Strength Materials
To withstand the stresses of high-speed trains, the bridge uses top-quality materials and methods:
- 1,14,172 Tor-Shear Type High Strength (TTHS) bolts hold the bridge together.
- A C5 system painting ensures superior corrosion protection.
- Elastomeric bearings improve flexibility and load absorption.
These engineering choices guarantee durability and performance under extreme conditions.
6. Part of a Bigger Picture: 28 Steel Bridges
This isn’t a standalone achievement. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor will feature a total of 28 steel bridges:
- 17 in Gujarat
- 11 in Maharashtra
So far, 9 steel bridges in Gujarat have been completed, showcasing the project’s steady progress.
7. Why Steel Bridges Matter for the Bullet Train
Unlike conventional bridges, steel bridges are crucial for high-speed rail due to:
- Strength: Withstanding the immense dynamic loads of bullet trains.
- Longevity: 100-year design lifespan.
- Precision: Required alignment for trains running at speeds of 320 km/h.
They symbolize cutting-edge engineering tailored to India’s most ambitious transport project.
8. Seamless Coordination With Highway Users
Launching a massive bridge across NH-48 required not just engineering skill but also logistical precision. NHSRCL coordinated with highway authorities to:
- Minimize traffic disruption.
- Schedule the launch during safe windows.
- Maintain smooth traffic flow on all six lanes.
This careful planning ensured public convenience was not compromised.
9. Bullet train Project: A National Dream
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet train project is India’s first high-speed rail corridor. Once complete, it will:
- Cover 508 km in just 2-3 hours.
- Operate at speeds up to 320 km/h.
- Transform travel between India’s financial capital and industrial hub.
Every milestone, including this steel bridge launch, brings the project closer to reality.
10. Symbol of India’s Engineering Prowess
The launch of the second span demonstrates not just technical expertise but also India’s ability to deliver on world-class infrastructure projects. From advanced mechanization to material innovation, the bridge reflects the country’s march toward modern, future-ready transportation.
Final Word
The successful launch of the second 100-meter steel bridge span over NH-48 is more than an engineering milestone — it’s a symbol of India’s progress toward its first bullet train. With 28 such steel bridges planned, each achievement is a step closer to realizing a world-class high-speed rail network that will redefine travel in India.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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