New Delhi, 28 September (H.S.): The first steel bridge in Maharashtra under the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project has been completed. The 100-metre-long bridge, weighing 1,405 tonnes, has been constructed over National Highway-3 (Nashik Highway) near Dive-Anjur village in Bhiwandi, Thane district.

The bridge was fabricated in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu, approximately 1,300 kilometres away. It was subsequently transported to Maharashtra on heavy-duty trailers, assembled at the site and installed at its designated location. Officials said the work demonstrates the country’s growing capability to construct large and complex steel structures.

During fabrication, steel cutting, drilling, welding and painting were carried out in accordance with prescribed standards. Each batch of steel used in the structure underwent ultrasonic testing. Personnel involved in welding and inspection were internationally certified.

At the construction site, the bridge was assembled approximately 17.5 metres above ground on temporary supporting structures. The operation involved a 22-skid arrangement and the use of 54,076 specially designed high-strength bolts. Specialised paint and vibration-dampening bearings have also been installed to enhance the bridge’s safety and ensure its long-term structural durability.

An automated system was used to move the bridge to its final position. The system comprised two 150-tonne-capacity jacks and specially designed high-strength rods. To minimise disruption to highway traffic, the bridge was installed at night after temporarily stopping traffic on the highway.

A total of 28 steel bridges are planned along the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor. Work on 16 of these bridges has already been completed. The bridges are being constructed to cross highways, expressways, rivers and railway lines at locations where long spans need to be covered by a single bridge.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar