Temporary Bullet Train Bridge Over Ulhas River in Diva Washed Away
A temporary bridge structure built for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project over the Ulhas River in the Diva area of Thane was washed away during heavy monsoon rains. The incident occurred during the heavy downpour that lashed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region between July 4 and 6.
The temporary structure had been erected to serve as an essential access route. It was designed to facilitate the movement of heavy equipment, construction material, and manpower involved in building the main railway bridge across the river.
Officials confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident. No workers were present on the bridge when it was washed away by the river's currents. Furthermore, officials added that the temporary bridge was intended solely to assist with ongoing construction activities and was not a part of the permanent high-speed rail infrastructure.
While the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has not issued an official statement regarding the incident, sources within the project confirmed the development. A source stated that the temporary structure has collapsed, but emphasized that it has not delayed operations or impacted the project’s construction plans.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor, India’s first bullet train project, spans a total of 508 km. The foundation stone for the major infrastructure project was laid in 2017. Once completed, the high-speed corridor will connect 12 stations: Mumbai (BKC), Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati.
Currently, major civil works are progressing across both Maharashtra and Gujarat. The first section of the bullet train project is expected to begin operations on August 15, 2027.
Sources maintained that despite the loss of the temporary bridge at Diva, work on the project remains on schedule. The reconstruction of the access structure, if required, will be undertaken without affecting the project's timeline.
