Bullet Train Work Accelerates from Shilphata in Thane to Zaroli

Construction on India's first bullet train project is accelerating across Thane and Palghar, with structural work progressing rapidly along the corridor stretching from Shilphata in Thane to Zaroli village at the Maharashtra-Gujarat border.

The 135.45-kilometre section forms a critical elevated segment of the high-speed rail line. Of this total stretch, 124.027 kilometres will consist of elevated viaducts and bridges. Pier construction is currently underway across more than 100 kilometres of the alignment, while nearly 74 kilometres of completed piers are now ready to receive viaduct girders.

To maintain the pace of construction across Maharashtra, specialized heavy machinery and infrastructure have been deployed. Nine casting yards are currently operational, supported by seven full-span launching gantries and eight segment-by-segment launching gantries working along the route.

The Maharashtra section of the corridor will feature three key elevated stations located at Thane, Virar, and Boisar. At the Thane station, the concourse is being built approximately 12 metres above ground level, a design intended to minimise the impact of construction on local mangroves.

Progress is also continuing on the underground and mountain segments of the route. Out of seven planned mountain tunnels along the stretch, three have achieved breakthrough. Construction teams have transitioned to subsequent structural phases inside these tunnels, where drainage, waterproofing, and lining works are currently underway.

In addition to the viaducts, the alignment includes a total of 36 bridges and crossings. Among these are 12 steel bridges crossing over existing railway lines, highways, and the Ulhas River. The project also encompasses major river crossings, highlighted by a 460-metre bridge over the Ulhas River and a 2.32-kilometre bridge over the Vaitarna River.