NHSRCL has given a sizable contract of Rs 215,697 crore to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the construction of the Thane, Virar, and Boisar stations for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project. This completes the 508-kilometer-long bullet train route between Mumbai and Ahmedabad's civil construction phase. The project seeks to dramatically cut down on travel time, stimulate economic growth, and give passengers access to cutting-edge amenities. The high-speed rail corridor promises to overhaul India's transportation system and usher in a new era of effective and modern train travel by utilizing cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly methods.
L&T, the prominent engineering and construction conglomerate, has been entrusted with a substantial contract worth Rs 215,697 crore by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. (NHSRCL) to construct the Thane, Virar, and Boisar stations as part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project. This milestone marks the final leg of civil work required for the 508-km-long bullet train route, a transformative endeavour that promises to revolutionize travel between two major Indian cities. The commencement of construction at these key stations brings the project one step closer to its goal of providing a cutting-edge, high-speed rail connection to the people of Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
The MAHSR project is an ambitious undertaking that aims to connect two major metropolises in India, Mumbai and Ahmedabad, through an advanced high-speed rail network. The project is expected to not only significantly reduce travel time between the two cities but also drive economic growth and development along its route. With the award of the contract to L&T for the construction of three crucial stations, namely Thane, Virar, and Boisar, the project is well on its way to becoming a reality.
The awarded civil package, C-3, spans an alignment of 135 km between Shilphata and Zaroli village, situated on the Maharashtra-Gujarat border. This segment will also involve the construction of six tunnels and the longest bridge spanning 2 km over the Vaitarna River, showcasing the scale and complexity of the project. With these stations being part of the urban areas, it highlights the importance of sustainable water management in these water-stressed regions.
The Thane, Virar, and Boisar stations will be equipped with a wide range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience for passengers. These amenities include ticketing and waiting areas, a business-class lounge, restrooms, smoking rooms, information kiosks, incidental retail centres, and a public information and announcement system. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to cater to the diverse needs of travellers and create a seamless and enjoyable journey.
NHSRCL officials have emphasized the significance of this final civil package, given the challenges faced in securing adequate land for the project. Despite these challenges, NHSRCL has been steadfast in its commitment to realizing the MAHSR project, and with the award of this contract, the completion of civil works within Maharashtra is now well within sight.
In a noteworthy effort to expedite the construction of viaducts, NHSRCL engineers have adopted innovative technology, utilizing full span girders of 40m length, weighing 970 tonnes, launched through a unique Full Span Launching Equipment set. This pioneering approach has proven to be around ten times faster than conventional segment launching technology, showcasing India's commitment to employing cutting-edge solutions in the construction of critical infrastructure.
The MAHSR corridor is divided into 28 contract packages, with 11 being civil packages. NHSRCL's strategic and timely awarding of these packages has demonstrated its efficiency and dedication to the project's progress. The completion of civil works in Maharashtra, which includes the construction of the BKC station (C1), 21 km-long tunnels (C2), and the 135 km alignment (C3), marks a significant achievement in the development of the high-speed rail corridor.
Moreover, the tendering process for track works covering the entire Gujarat section of the MAHSR, amounting to 352 km out of the total 508 km, has also been completed. This further underscores the commitment of all stakeholders to bringing this game-changing project to fruition.