India’s First ‘Make in India’ Steel Bridge Completed for Bullet Train
In a landmark achievement for Indian Railways, a 100-meter-long ‘Make in India’ steel bridge has been completed over an underground metro tunnel in Ahmedabad district. This construction is vital for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project and marks the completion of the 13th steel bridge in Gujarat, out of a total of 17 planned bridges in the state. This initiative underscores the commitment to enhance high-speed rail connectivity while ensuring the safety of urban transportation systems.
Innovative Construction Techniques Employed
The Bullet Train viaduct in Ahmedabad is being constructed using span-by-span structures, featuring spans ranging from 30 to 50 meters. However, at this specific site, the alignment crosses over an underground metro tunnel that connects Kalupur and Shahpur stations. To maintain structural integrity, the Bullet Train’s foundations were strategically placed away from the metro tunnel. This required extending the span length to approximately 100 meters and redesigning the superstructure from a standard viaduct to a Steel Truss Bridge, ensuring both the bullet train corridor and metro infrastructure are safeguarded.
Bridge Assembly and Specifications
The assembly of this substantial bridge took place at a height of 16.5 meters from the ground, utilizing temporary supports known as trestles. Once the assembly was complete, the temporary supports were carefully removed, and the bridge was lowered to fit securely on the permanent support system. This meticulous process was crucial for ensuring safety and structural precision.
Weighing in at 1,098 metric tons, the newly completed steel bridge runs parallel to the Ahmedabad–Sabarmati main line of Western Railways. The bridge stands 14 meters tall and 15.5 meters wide. It was fabricated in Wardha, Maharashtra, and transported to the site, illustrating the strength of indigenous manufacturing as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Durability and Safety Features
To assist in the bridge’s assembly, a temporary platform measuring 11.5 x 100 meters was constructed on-site. The bridge features approximately 45,186 Tor-Shear Type High Strength (TTHS) bolts, along with a C5 system protective coating and elastomeric bearings, ensuring enhanced durability and safety for passenger transit.
This project exemplifies Indian Railways’ ongoing dedication to providing safe, reliable, and future-ready infrastructure for both passengers and the general public. The seamless integration of high-speed rail projects with existing urban transport networks reflects a strategic approach to modernize India’s transportation landscape.
For further details, please reach out to:
- Dharmendra Tewari
- Dr. Nayan Solanki
- Ritu Raj
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