latest update on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

Balasahana Suresh
🚄 Why the Shahibaug Underpass Is Closed

As part of ongoing construction work on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed rail (Bullet Train) project, the Shahibaug three‑way underpass in Ahmedabad will be closed to all vehicular traffic from January 23 to january 28, 2026. This closure has been ordered by local authorities to facilitate critical construction activities related to the high‑speed rail corridor.

Specifically:

  • Workers will be installing horizontal segments of the elevated bullet train structure on pillars already constructed near the underpass.
  • Additional piloting and structural work between the Sabarmati and Vatva sections is also planned during this period.
    These activities are essential for laying the elevated track and completing the high‑speed rail viaduct segments in this busy urban zone.
🚗 Traffic Diversions and Commuter Impact

Since the Shahibaug underpass is one of Ahmedabad’s busiest road links — connecting key inner‑city and peripheral routes — its closure is expected to impact daily commuters. Authorities have released a traffic diversion plan for vehicles during the closure:

Key Diversions:

  • Vehicles from Delhi Darwaza and Subhash Bridge heading toward the airport or Gandhinagar will be redirected via Riverfront Road, Shahibaug Shilalekh Flat, and Dufnala.
  • Traffic from Asarwa, Girdharnagar, delhi Darwaza, and Kalupur going toward central city areas will be rerouted via the Mahapragyaji Bridge.
  • Vehicles from Girdharnagar and Asarwa heading toward Gandhinagar or the airport will use Shahibaug gayatri Mandir and army Cantonment routes.
    Commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance and follow the diversion signage to avoid unnecessary delays.
🏗️ Project Progress and the Bigger Picture

The Shahibaug underpass closure is part of a broader construction phase of the bullet train project, which is advancing rapidly:

Key Milestones

  • The Sabarmati high‑speed rail multimodal hub in ahmedabad has received a green building certification, and major structural work including viaducts, river bridges, and track beds are progressing across the corridor.
  • Despite challenges like cost escalation — with estimates approaching nearly ₹2 lakh crore — the project continues to make steady progress toward operational readiness.
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed rail Project is India’s first bullet train corridor, designed for trains running at speeds up to 320 km/h, cutting travel time between the two major cities to about two hours once fully operational. Multiple infrastructure elements — including viaducts, bridges, noise barriers, and tunnels — are being built across gujarat and Maharashtra.

💡 Why This Matters

  • Urban Mobility: Temporary closures like the Shahibaug underpass are unavoidable in major infrastructure projects but can significantly affect city traffic.
  • Construction Efficiency: Such closures allow heavy‑duty lifting, segment installation, and piloting work that cannot be safely done with traffic flowing underneath.
  • Progress Towards Completion: With multiple construction milestones already achieved, the project remains on track for phased openings ahead of full operation by the late 2020s.
Summary

Shahibaug underpass in ahmedabad will be closed from Jan 23 to 28, 2026 to support elevated segment installation and other bullet train works. Traffic diversions are in place, and commuters should plan accordingly. This is one of several coordinated construction efforts along the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed rail corridor that aim to complete India’s first bullet train network.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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