The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has signed an agreement with M/s Larsen & Toubro Limited for constructing 157 kilometres of tracks for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project in Maharashtra for ₹4,468 crore.
As per the agreement (T-1 package), L&T will design, supply and construct the track between the Mumbai bullet train station and Zaroli village at the Maharashtra-Gujarat border. The deal also includes track-related works including testing and commissioning for double-line in Maharashtra. It also encompasses track works for four stations and a rolling stock depot at Thane, NHSRCL stated on Thursday.
Japanese Shinkansen slab track tech to be used in India
The ballastless slab track system, as used in Japanese HSR (Shinkansen), is being used for India’s first HSR project (MAHSR). This track system consists of four main components viz. RC Track Bed, Cement Asphalt Mortar (CAM), Pre-cast Track Slab and Rails with Fasteners. Currently, the work of track construction in Gujarat (under packages T-2 & T-3) is progressing rapidly on more than 200 km of viaduct.
All three track packages awarded to Indian firms
All three track construction work-related packages have been awarded to Indian companies . The ₹5,142 crore T-2 package, which consists of laying 237 kilometres of tracks between Zaroli village on the Maharashtra-Gujarat border and Vadodara, has been awarded to IRCON International Ltd. Similarly, the ₹3,141 crore T-3 package, consisting of 116 kilometres of tracks between Vadodara and Sabarmati Depot and Workshop in Ahmedabad, was awarded to L&T earlier.
JARTS training over 436 Indian engineers in advanced techniques
Under an MOU with NHSRCL, the Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS) has conducted comprehensive training and certification programs for Indian engineers, work leaders, supervisors, and technicians. Covering 15 specialised modules, these programs focused on key areas such as track slab manufacturing, RC track bed construction, slab track installation, and CAM installation. Under the T-2 and T-3 packages in Gujarat, around 436 engineers have already been trained in these advanced techniques. A similar initiative is planned under this package to train engineers and supervisors in Maharashtra before the commencement of track works.
Viaducts, stations, tunnels show steady project progress
Currently, viaduct construction on 320 kilometres of the route between Ahmedabad and Mumbai has been completed, while work on the superstructure of all stations in Gujarat is at an advanced stage. Work on all three elevated stations and base slab casting at Mumbai underground station in Maharashtra is in progress. Other works that are underway include the construction of a 21-kilometre tunnel between BKC and Shilphata in Maharashtra and excavation work on seven mountain tunnels in Palghar district of the state.
