Electrification Work Begins on Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Corridor

Electrification work for the much-anticipated Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor has officially commenced. The first two steel masts, each standing at a height of 14 meters from the ground, were installed along the viaduct between Surat and Bilimora Bullet Train stations in Gujarat. These masts are the initial step in the project’s ambitious electrification phase.

A total of over 20,000 masts, varying in height between 9.5 meters and 14.5 meters, will be installed across the entire corridor. These structures will play a vital role in supporting the Overhead Equipment (OHE) system, which includes the installation of overhead wires, earthing systems, fittings, and associated components. This OHE system will be critical for the 2×25 kV overhead traction system required for the operation of high-speed bullet trains on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor.

In line with the government’s “Make in India” initiative, the OHE masts conform to Japanese design and specifications but are manufactured domestically. This move not only strengthens India’s manufacturing capabilities but also enhances the country’s role in building infrastructure for high-speed rail networks. The locally produced masts will support the overhead traction system, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the bullet trains.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor is one of India’s flagship infrastructure projects, and the electrification work marks an important milestone in its development. Once completed, the high-speed rail network will significantly reduce travel time between the two cities, boosting connectivity and promoting economic growth. The project is expected to be operational by 2028, revolutionizing rail travel in India.