~Maharashtra’s first steel bridge for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project has been successfully launched over NH-3 in Bhiwandi, Thane.
Mumbai, Maharashtra, Sep 28 (VNI): A 100-metre-long steel bridge weighing 1,405 MT has been successfully launched over NH-3 (Nashik Highway) at Dive-Anjur village in Bhiwandi, Thane district, Maharashtra, for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project. The bridge is the first steel bridge completed for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train projectile in Maharashtra.
According to the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), the bridge was fabricated at a workshop in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, approximately 1,300 km from the launching location. The structure was transported to Maharashtra on trailers and assembled at the site for installation. The fabrication involved precision cutting, drilling, welding and painting, carried out as per approved designs, drawings and specifications. Each production batch of steel was subjected to Ultrasonic Testing (UT), while welders and supervisors were certified by International Welding Experts.
The project highlights the growing capability of Indian industry to manufacture and deliver complex infrastructure components for one of the country’s technologically advanced rail projects. The initiative also reflects India’s increasing indigenous technical and material capabilities and the vision of Make in India in the development of high-speed rail infrastructure.
At the site, the 100-metre bridge was assembled on temporary trestles approximately 17.5 metres above ground level using 22 skid arrangements and 54,076 Tor-Shear Type High Strength Bolts (TTHSB). A C5 protective painting system and elastomeric bearings have been provided to enhance durability and vibration control. The completed bridge was then pulled into position using an automatic mechanism comprising two hollow jacks, each with a capacity of 150 MT, along with pre-tensioned Macalloy Bars.
To minimise inconvenience to highway commuters, the launching operation was undertaken during night traffic blocks on the National Highway with meticulous planning and precision. Steel bridges are particularly suited for crossing highways, expressways, major rivers and railway lines, where longer spans are required.
At a glance, the bridge has a length of 100 metres, a main bridge weight of 1,405 MT, a height of 14 metres and a width of 14 metres. Of the 28 steel bridges planned for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor, 16 have been completed. VNI NEWS, Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train, First Steel Bridge Maharashtra, NHSRCL, Steel Bridge, Bhiwandi, Thane, NH-3, High Speed Rail, Bullet Train Project, Make in India, First Steel Bridge Maharashtra, Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project, NHSRCL Steel Bridge, Bhiwandi Steel Bridge, Maharashtra Bullet Train Project, VNINews, VNINews.com