Longest 'Make In India' Steel Bridge Opens On Delhi-Mumbai Expressway; Details On Construction & Installation

The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has reached a major milestone with the completion of a 130-meter-long steel bridge on the Delhi-Mumbai National Expressway, marking a pivotal moment for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. Crafted under the 'Make in India' initiative, this engineering marvel underscores India's technological prowess and commitment to infrastructural advancement.

Swift Construction Minimizes Disruption

Located near Vadodara in Gujarat, the steel bridge was erected swiftly in just 24 hours to ensure minimal disruption to road traffic. Standing 18 meters high and 14.9 meters wide, the bridge was fabricated in Maharashtra's Wardha workshop and transported to the site for installation. The precision installation required meticulous planning, given the bridge's substantial weight, potentially making it the longest on any national highway in India.

Engineering Excellence And Innovation

The construction utilized 1,24,246 torque-shear type high-strength bolts designed to endure over a century. Positioned 15 meters above ground on temporary supports, the bridge was moved into place using a semi-automatic system with powerful jacks, bolstered by Mac-alloy bars for stability and safety.

Highlighting Safety And Collaboration

Emphasizing safety and engineering excellence, the project was executed leveraging India's technical expertise and physical resources, supported by international collaboration, particularly from Japan. This achievement not only advances the bullet train infrastructure but also showcases India's capability to undertake such complex projects indigenously.

Future Prospects Off Steel Bridges

This bridge is the third of its kind among the planned 28 along the corridor, strategically placed on key transportation routes. Unlike concrete bridges, steel structures are ideal for crossings over roads and railways, catering specifically to heavy and high-speed trains. Looking ahead, similar technological advancements will be applied to upcoming projects, including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) corridor, setting the stage for faster and more efficient transportation networks.