A major milestone in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project was recently reached with the successful launch of the first 100-mtrs. span of a twin steel bridge over National Highway-48 near Nadiad, Gujarat. This critical infrastructure element of the Bullet Train corridor highlights the engineering precision and planning behind the project.

The steel bridge was launched across one side of NH-48, one of India's busiest six-lane highways connecting Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. The span, measuring 14.6 mtrs. in height, 14.3 mtrs. in width, and weighing approx. 1,414 tonne, was slid into place over a distance of 200 mtrs. using semi-automatic mechanism. The launch was carefully scheduled to minimise traffic disruption.

Fabricated at Salasar near Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, the bridge incorporates 57,200 Tor-Shear Type High Strength (TTHS) bolts, C5 system protective painting, elastomeric bearings, and has been engineered for a 100-year service life. It was assembled on temporary trestles at a height of 14.9 mtrs., using semi-automatic jacks and mac-alloy bars for precise maneuvering.

This span is the first of two 100-mtrs. steel bridge segments to be installed over NH-48 in Gujarat. Across the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, a total of 28 steel bridges are planned—11 in Maharashtra and 17 in Gujarat, with seven already successfully launched in Gujarat over railways, highways, and industrial zones.