Bullet train work progresses across 135 km in Maharashtra

Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has shared a new glimpse of the bullet train project, with construction underway across a 135.45-km elevated section from Shilphata in Thane to Zaroli village on the Maharashtra-Gujarat border. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited said 124.027 km of the stretch comprises viaducts and bridges. Pier work is progressing over more than 100 km, with nearly 74 km of piers completed and ready for viaduct girders.

Nine casting yards, seven full-span launching gantries and eight SBS launching gantries are operational in Maharashtra. Three elevated stations at Thane, Virar and Boisar are under construction. The Thane station concourse is about 12 metres above ground, a design meant to protect local mangroves in the eco-sensitive zone. Three of the seven planned mountain tunnels have achieved breakthrough, with drainage and lining work ongoing. The section will have 36 bridges and crossings, including a 460-metre bridge over the Ulhas River.