Steel Powering Progress: 7th Bullet Train Bridge Launched in Gujarat

A 70-meter-long steel bridge was successfully launched over the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) tracks near Vadodara, Gujarat, on 08 April 2025—marking a significant milestone in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project. This is the seventh of 28 planned steel bridges for the Gujarat section, contributing to over 10,000 tonnes of steel use and giving a strong boost to India’s steel industry.

Weighing 674 tonnes and measuring 13 meters in height and 14 meters in width, the bridge was fabricated in Durgapur, Kolkata. It was transported to the site using trailers and launched with the help of a 49-meter-long, 204-tonne launching nose. Pre-assembled 18 meters above ground on temporary trestles, the bridge utilized approximately 28,800 Tor-Shear Type High Strength (TTHS) bolts, C5 system painting, and elastomeric bearings—engineered for a 100-year service life.

The launch was executed with precision using two semi-automatic jacks (250-tonne capacity each) operated via mac-alloy bars. Despite the complexity, the launch was completed in just 12 hours with minimal disruption to DFCC operations.

Each bridge plays a crucial role in enhancing connectivity along the high-speed corridor. With 21 more steel bridges to go, the successful launch at Vadodara highlights the project’s momentum and the technical excellence powering its progress.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.