Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Hits Major Milestone: 300 KM Viaduct Completed
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of 300 km of viaduct work, marking a major step forward in India's ambitious bullet train project.
Mumbaiahmedabad Bullet TrainViaductHighspeed RailNational Highspeed Rail Corporation LimitedAshwini VaishnawReal Estate MumbaiMay 20, 2025
300 km viaduct completed. — Bullet Train Project, he wrote, sharing a video from the project.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor is being built mostly on viaducts to avoid level crossings, ensure speed, and minimise land acquisition issues. These viaducts are raised tracks, typically made of concrete pillars and girders, that keep the train line above ground.
According to the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), the viaduct construction for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project includes major structures spanning six rivers in Gujarat — Par, Purna, Mindhola, Ambika, Auranga, and Venganiya—located in the Valsad and Navsari districts. These viaducts are being built using 40-metre-long full-span box girders and segmental girders, with noise barriers already installed along completed sections.
Key components of the project are progressing rapidly. In Surat, India saw the first-ever installation of a reinforced concrete track bed using Japan’s Shinkansen-inspired ‘J-slab ballastless’ system. The project also completed the breakthrough of a 350-metre mountain tunnel in Valsad and erected the first of 28 planned steel bridges, a 70-metre span in Surat.
The foundation stone for the high-speed corridor was laid on September 14, 2017, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), set up in February 2016 as a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Ministry of Railways, is implementing the project with equity participation from the central government and the state governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Once completed, the bullet train will revolutionise travel between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, drastically cutting travel time and introducing Japan’s advanced Shinkansen technology to India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 300 km viaduct completion?
The completion of 300 km of viaduct work is a major milestone in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, marking significant progress towards the completion of the bullet train corridor and ensuring the project stays on track.
Why are viaducts important for the bullet train project?
Viaducts are crucial for the bullet train project as they help avoid level crossings, ensure higher speeds, and minimize land acquisition issues, keeping the train line above ground and ensuring smooth operations.
What technology is being used for the track bed in Surat?
In Surat, the project is using Japan’s Shinkansen-inspired ‘J-slab ballastless’ system for the reinforced concrete track bed, which is a first in India and ensures high-speed and smooth travel.
When was the foundation stone for the bullet train project laid?
The foundation stone for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project was laid on September 14, 2017, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
What are the expected benefits of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train?
The bullet train is expected to revolutionize travel between Mumbai and Ahmedabad by drastically cutting travel time, improving connectivity, and introducing advanced Shinkansen technology to India.