India’s only bullet train project, sponsored by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) and is approaching a technical level of the high-speed rail network that connects Mumbai and Ahmedabad, which is doing quite well. Acknowledged on the part of ‘Make in India’ the project is currently provided with locally made technological solutions to implement and construct infrastructure so that the last mile can be sorted out by year 2026.
The rapid geotechnical monitoring system construction sees an increasing role in Maharashtra as a continuum of new developments becomes eminently urgent in terms of safety and reliability of civil structures and service utilities along high speed railway alignment.
The inclusion at strategic points such devices as inclinometers, vibration monitors, ground settlement markers, tilt meters as well as other instruments allows stable operation through continuous monitoring such parameters as inclination, settlement , vibrations, cracks , deformations at close to construction sites.
Such approach proactively ensures above-ground activities from any issues or emergencies like subsidence or soil collapse. In addition it helps to keep the surrounding environment safe and structurally focused.
The instruments are designed, through their integrated data acquisition systems, to offer the highest level of observational recording and real-time monitoring during construction. It helps in the early visibility of impending hazards so that interventions can be made for mitigation measures as well as in risk prevention. Also, besides embedding dust and noise monitors on construction sites it ensures that such a practice is observed so that noise and air pollution do not get out of permissible limits hence giving priority to the environmental impact of the project.
Most notably, significant progress has been achieved in an underground section which stretches 21 km along Mumbai and Thane districts. This comprises activities including excavation works for an ultra-deep underground station at Bandra Kurla Complex with its approximate depth of 32 meters- equivalent to a ten-storey building’s height. The elaborate development of shafts and portals for tunnel-related operations provides a further demonstration regarding the project’s reliance upon technically advanced building infrastructure.
The innovative measures of the project are not limited only to the adoption of mechanized track laying machines but also introduction of the J-Slab track system that is based on the well-known Japanese Shinkansen track system. It is for the first time that the J-slab ballastless track system will be used in India which tells about the intention of this project to apply globally recognised technologies for its successful implementation.
Under the project, track laying on viaducts in Gujarat and DNH as well as creation of bullet train depots at Sabarmati and Surat will justify 704 km of track.
- The installation process of the entire track is fully mechanized and it reaches this level by employing machines which are designed with the latest technologies.
- It is important to mention that now some of these machines are produced in India, contributing to the implementation of the Make-in-India (MII) policy, which is a huge leap towards furthering indigenous manufacturing capacity.
The project has so far had its share of setbacks especially caused by land acquisition issues which then led to its delayed schedule. Nevertheless, Minister Vaishnav being fully determined to clear all hurdles timely confirmed that the deadline for project accomplishment would remain unchangeable – 2026.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has come up with a soft loan amounting Rs 88,000 crore to kick-start the project which is anticipated culminating into a full-fledged outlay of Rs 1.10 lakh crore. Upon implementation, travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will be cut short to approximately 3.5 hours making it possible to finish the 508 km distance.
Summing up, the first bullet train project in India is not just developing the high-speed rail infrastructure but also creating history by implementing homegrown technological solutions. It ‘walks’ in the spirit of ‘Make in India’ and alongside with utilization of the newest geotechnical monitoring instruments and penetration of innovative mechanized systems for track laying signify a big leap in India’s infrastructure sector.
