India’s First Ballastless Track for Bullet Train Under Development, Railway Minister Shares Progress
India’s ambitious bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is making significant strides with the development of the country’s first ballastless track system.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video on social media showcasing the progress of the project, revealing that 295.5 kilometers of piers and 153 kilometers of viaducts have already been completed.
Bharat’s first ballastless track for #BulletTrain !
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (मोदी का परिवार) (@AshwiniVaishnaw) March 28, 2024
✅320 kmph speed threshold
✅153 km of viaduct completed
✅295.5 km of pier work completed
More to come in Modi 3.0 pic.twitter.com/YV6vP4tbXS
The bullet train, boasting a speed barrier of 320 kmph, marks a milestone in India’s transportation infrastructure.
The introduction of the J-slab ballastless track system, a first in India, is a noteworthy aspect of the project. This advanced system utilizes pre-cast track slabs equipped with fastening devices and rails, providing stability and efficiency for high-speed lines.
The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) elaborated that the slab rests on an RC track bed, constructed in situ, with a thickness of around 300mm. The track bed, with a width of 2420mm, ensures stability and durability for the bullet train’s operations.
Railway Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the broader economic integration facilitated by the bullet train corridor, connecting major cities like Mumbai, Thane, Vapi, Baroda, Surat, Anand, and Ahmedabad. The seamless connectivity envisioned by the project is poised to transform regional economies, allowing commuters to traverse significant distances efficiently.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be approximately Rs 1.08 lakh crore, with the central government providing Rs 10,000 crore and Gujarat and Maharashtra contributing Rs 5,000 crore each. The remaining funding will be secured through a loan from Japan at a nominal 0.1 percent interest rate. As the project advances, it signifies a significant leap forward in India’s transportation infrastructure, heralding a new era of high-speed rail connectivity in the country.
