The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR), also known as Mumbai–Ahmedabad HSR, is a high-speed rail line that is currently under construction. To give a little background, this ambitious project aims to establish a swift connection between Mumbai, the economic and financial hub of India, and Ahmedabad, the largest city in the state of Gujarat. Once completed, MAHSR will stand as India’s inaugural high-speed rail line.
The project’s anticipated completion date was set for December 2023. However, due to challenges in acquiring land in Maharashtra, the timeline for the entire corridor’s completion has become uncertain. Nevertheless, there has been a ton of work going on in establishing the stations and routes for this high-speed rail corridor.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Rail Corridor: How many stations are being built in which states?
The high-speed rail line is designed to incorporate a total of 12 stations. Proposed stations include those in Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand/Nadiad, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati. To facilitate seamless transfers with the Indian Railways network, the high-speed rail stations will be strategically constructed either above or adjacent to existing railway stations. However, this approach towards the construction is complex and that’s what makes it quite difficult to achieve.
Mumbai HSR Stations: Progress Report
On July 19 this year, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) secured a significant contract valued at Rs 15,697 crore from the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. (NHSRCL) for this rail project. This contract represents the final phase of civil work necessary for the construction of the 508-km-long bullet train on this route. Simultaneously, work has commenced at the Bandra-Kurla Complex, the departure point for the Mumbai leg of the bullet train.
All three civil packages in Maharashtra, encompassing the construction of the BKC station (C1), a 21 km-long tunnel (C2) with a 7 km undersea tunnel, and a 135 km alignment (C3) for the high-speed rail corridor, have been awarded. Multiple reports suggest that the stations at Thane, Virar, and Boisar will be elevated, while the BKC station will be underground.
The Anand-Nadiad station achieved a significant milestone this year in April by becoming the first HSRC station to finalize the concourse level. The slab work, initiated in September, encompassed nine sections, all of which were successfully completed by April 12, as was announced by the NHSRCL.
The Anand HSR station, situated 600 meters away from Uttarsanda Railway station, will feature a white exterior and interior design symbolizing the district’s renowned Milk and White Revolution.
The station will comprise a dual-sided platform, a waiting area, and a business lounge at the concourse level. Additionally, amenities such as a nursery and shops will be available.
The upcoming stations will offer a range of amenities, including ticketing and waiting areas, a business-class lounge, a nursery, restrooms, smoking rooms, information kiosks, incidental retail centers, and a public information and announcement system.
Gujarat/Ahmedabad HSR Stations: Progress Report
The Surat high-speed rail station became the first station to complete the construction of both the concourse and rail level slab.
As reported by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), the Surat HSR station boasts a 450-meter-long concourse and a corresponding 450-meter-long rail level.
The station’s design is characterized by a diamond theme, extending to both the facade and interiors. The aerial perspective of the structure will mirror the shape of a diamond.
Featuring four platforms, the concourse floor will encompass essential facilities such as waiting areas, a business lounge, restrooms, a nursery, shops/kiosks, ticketing counters, and customer care centers.
On the ground floor, there will be provisions for parking, pick and drop bays, pedestrian plazas, security checks, lifts, escalators, and travellators.
The casting of the slab began on August 22, 2022, with the final slab completed within a one-year span, concluding on August 21, 2023.
In another significant development, construction has already begun on a mountain tunnel. Located approximately 1 km from Zaroli Village in Umbergaon taluka, Valsad district, Gujarat, this tunnel is the only one within the C-4 package of the corridor.