Track laying on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor is progressing, with significant milestones achieved in Gujarat. Nearly 160 track km of construction is finished, using high-tech machinery like Rail Feeder Cars and CAM injection cars. Over 154 km of rail panels have been flash-butt welded, showcasing remarkable project pace.
Introduction:
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project is moving swiftly into its advanced construction phase as track laying works have majorly progressed along the viaducts in Gujarat. This vital initiative, which aims to transform long-distance travel in India through the introduction of the country’s first bullet train, is reflecting remarkable on-ground results.
National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), the implementing agency for the project, has announced substantial achievements in terms of track bed construction, rail panel welding, and mechanized track laying operations. The efforts are part of India’s strategic vision to modernize rail infrastructure using indigenous technology and execution excellence.
Major Highlights of the Progress:
Track Bed and Slab Laying Advancements:
As of now, around 160 track km of track bed construction has been completed in Gujarat. In parallel, nearly 39,500 precast track slabs have been cast, which correspond to 197 track km, indicating considerable headway in physical infrastructure creation.
These track slabs are precision-engineered to support high-speed rail movement and are installed atop the RC (Reinforced Concrete) bed of the elevated viaduct. The scale of progress demonstrates India’s capacity to handle large-scale infrastructure projects with consistency and speed.
Flash Butt Welding – Precision Rail Joining:
An essential element of bullet train track work is the welding of rails to ensure smooth, seamless, and safe train movement. For this, Flash Butt Welding Machines (FBWM) are being used to join 25-meter long, 60 kg rails into 200-meter long panels. These long panels ensure better performance and minimal maintenance due to fewer joints.
Currently, four FBWMs are active, and over 1543 rail panels—equivalent to 154 track km—have been successfully welded at Track Construction Bases (TCBs). This milestone marks a major step forward in the bullet train’s track installation timeline.
‘Make in India’ Machinery Powering the Progress:
One of the standout features of this phase is the use of indigenously developed machinery, aligning with the Make in India initiative. These custom-built machines are playing a pivotal role in streamlining and accelerating the track laying process.
- Rail Feeder Car (RFC)- The RFC is responsible for transporting and laying the 200-meter rail panels onto the RC track bed. Two RFC units are currently operational—one in Surat and another in Anand—and have collectively laid about 78 km of temporary track so far. These temporary tracks help align and position the permanent ones with precision.
- Track Slab Laying Car (SLC)- The SLC is designed to carry and place precast track slabs. It can handle five slabs at a time, optimizing installation speed. Active in Bilimora and Vadodara, the SLC has helped place slabs on elevated tracks with high precision.
- Cement Asphalt Mortar Injection Car (CAM)- Following the placement of track slabs, the CAM Injection Car takes over. It is designed to inject a special Cement Asphalt Mortar (CAM) mix underneath the slabs to level them accurately and provide required support. This injection is done through customized bags to ensure structural integrity. Currently, one CAM car each is operational in Bilimora and Vadodara districts.
This three-step mechanized process—laying, positioning, and CAM injection—not only saves time but also ensures high-quality track alignment for high-speed rail operations.
Significance and Broader Impact:
The scale and technological sophistication of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project showcase India’s growing expertise in high-speed rail infrastructure. The mechanized and modular approach ensures minimal human error, improved efficiency, and higher safety standards.
This progress is also crucial for economic development across the corridor, especially in Gujarat, where much of the initial work is focused. The development of TCBs, machinery deployment, and slab casting yards have already generated significant local employment and boosted ancillary industries.
Moreover, the project sets the stage for future high-speed rail lines across India, creating a sustainable and faster transport backbone for a growing economy.
Future Outlook:
As the civil works continue to meet critical milestones, the upcoming months will likely witness rapid deployment of tracks across the viaducts. With the successful integration of Indian engineering, construction innovation, and localized manufacturing, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train is not just a transport project—it’s a symbol of India’s leap into next-generation mobility.
Conclusion:
With over 160 km of track bed constructed and 154 km of rail panels welded, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project is swiftly advancing. The integration of ‘Make in India’ machinery like RFCs and CAM cars is boosting the mechanized track laying process, marking a new era for high-speed rail in India.
Source: NHSRCL – Press Release | Images Credit: NHSRCL
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