India's NHSRCL Erects First Steel Bridge in Maharashtra for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Project

en.Wedoany.com Reported - National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has achieved a new milestone in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project: a 100-meter-long, 1,405 MT steel bridge has been successfully launched across NH-3 (Nashik Road) at Dive-Anjur village in Bhiwandi, Thane district, Maharashtra. This is the first steel bridge erected in Maharashtra for the bullet train project.

The bridge was manufactured at a workshop in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, approximately 1,300 kilometers from its erection site in Maharashtra. After fabrication, the components were transported to Maharashtra by trailers, assembled on site, and then installed. The manufacturing process involved precision cutting, drilling, welding, and painting in accordance with approved designs, drawings, and specifications, with quality control maintained throughout, and every batch of steel produced underwent Ultrasonic Testing (UT). The welders and supervisors involved in manufacturing also obtained International Welding Experts certification.

For the site operations, the 100-meter-long bridge was assembled on temporary supports approximately 17.5 meters above ground level, using 22 sets of sliding devices and installing 54,076 Tor-Shear Type High Strength Bolts (TTHSB). The completed structure is equipped with a C5 protective coating system and elastic bearings to meet the bridge's durability and vibration control requirements. After assembly, the bridge was moved into its final position using an automated system comprising two hollow jacks, each with a capacity of 150 MT, and pre-tensioned Macalloy Bars.

As the bridge spans an important highway, NHSRCL planned the erection operation to complete the installation during nighttime traffic blockades on NH-3, allowing the structure to be positioned while minimizing disruption to highway commuters. Steel bridges are suitable for road, highway, major river, and railway crossings that require longer spans.

The bridge has a length of 100 meters, a main bridge weight of 1,405 MT, a bridge height of 14 meters, and a bridge width of 14 meters. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor plans to construct 28 steel bridges, of which 16 have been completed, and project construction continues to advance.