The development of India’s first ballastless track system for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor project reached a significant milestone as Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared updates on the project’s progress. The minister highlighted the completion of the viaduct work on a 153 km stretch and the pier work on a 295.5 km stretch, marking important steps toward the project’s operationalization by 2026.
The ballastless track, also known as ‘slab track,’ features a special J-slab system with pre-cast track slabs equipped with fastening devices and rails. These slabs are placed on reinforced concrete track beds and cement asphalt mortar, enhancing the track’s durability and efficiency.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor project, with an estimated cost of ₹1.08 lakh crore, was inaugurated in 2017 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. The central government, along with contributions from Gujarat and Maharashtra, is funding the project, with a significant portion financed through a low-interest loan from Japan.
The use of ballastless track technology signifies a leap in India’s rail infrastructure, enabling faster and smoother travel between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The completion of viaduct and pier work underscores the project’s steady progress toward transforming India’s railway sector with modern, high-speed connectivity.
Sources By Agencies