AHMEDABAD (Metro Rail News ): The construction of the second river bridge on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor has been successfully completed, marking a significant milestone in the project. The bridge, spanning 360 meters over the Purna River between Bilimora and Surat stations in Gujarat, posed several challenges for the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited.
A total of 24 river bridges are proposed for construction along the high-speed rail corridor, with 20 planned for Gujarat and four for Maharashtra. The completion of the Purna River bridge represents the second accomplishment in this regard. The foundation construction was particularly difficult, according to NHSRCL officials, because of the river’s strong tides, which caused water levels to climb by five to six metres every two weeks. Throughout construction, the Arabian Sea tides were continuously monitored.
The bridge comprises nine full span girders, each measuring 40 meters, supported by piers ranging from 10 to 20 meters in height. The circular piers have a diameter of four to five meters. The first river bridge in the Valsad area, which crosses the Par River between the Vapi and Bilimore stations, was finished in January 2023.
Officials disclosed that construction activities are progressing on a 1.2-kilometre-long bridge over the Narmada River in Bharuch, which will be the longest bridge in Gujarat. Work is also underway on bridges over the Sabarmati, Mahi, Narmada, Tape, and other rivers in various districts of Gujarat.
Officials estimate that the bullet train service will commence operations by 2026, providing a high-speed rail connection between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
