The National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. (NHSRCL) has issued a call for bids for track work package T-1 of the 508.17 km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, which is set to be India’s first bullet train corridor. This contract represents the third and final track installation package for the high-speed rail line, which will connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad through 12 stations at an estimated total cost of Rs. 1.1 trillion.

Scope of package T-1: The T-1 package covers track installation work for: 1. Package C-1: A 1.028 km stretch at the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) underground station, currently under construction by the MEIL-HCC JV. 2. Package C-2: A 20.377 km underground tunnel section being built by Afcons Infrastructure. 3. Package C-3: A 135.45 km elevated viaduct with three stations, being developed by Larsen & Toubro.

Tender details: - Completion period: 2157 days (approx. 5.9 years) - Submission deadline: January 31, 2025, at 3 PM - Tender opening date: February 3, 2025, at 3 PM - Package number: MAHSR – T-1 - Scope: Design, supply, and construction of track works, including testing and commissioning, on a design-build lump sum price basis for a double-line high-speed railway between Mumbai Station at BKC (MAHSR Km -0.255) and Zaroli Village (Km 156.600).

Special track system: For the MAHSR project, a specialised Japanese J-Slab track system will be employed, replacing the conventional ballasted track typically used in mainline railways. NHSRCL has highlighted the benefits of this slab track system, which includes improved durability and reduced maintenance costs.

In line with this, Larsen & Toubro inaugurated its High-Speed Rail Track Slab Manufacturing Facility (TSMF) in Anand, Gujarat, in October 2023 to cater to the project’s requirements.

Further details and the status of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train’s various civil and system packages can be found on the NHSRCL website. (themetrorailguy)