India’s Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR: Track Construction & Tech

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Introduction

The National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) in India and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) have finalized an agreement for the design, supply, and construction of track and related works for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (HSR) project in Maharashtra, encompassing approximately 157km of route alignment.

Project Scope and Agreement

The recent agreement between NHSRCL and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) covers the track and related works for the HSR project within Maharashtra. This includes the construction of tracks for four stations and a rolling stock depot, extending from Thane to the Maharashtra-Gujarat border.

Track Construction and Technology

The project utilizes a ballast-less slab track system, akin to the Shinkansen in Japan. This system comprises four key elements: an RC track bed, cement asphalt mortar, pre-cast track slabs, and rails with fasteners. In collaboration with NHSRCL, the Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS) has initiated training programs for Indian engineers, work leaders, supervisors, and technicians. These programs consist of 15 specialized modules focusing on critical areas like track slab manufacturing and installation. Approximately 436 engineers have received “advanced” training under the T-2 and T-3 packages in Gujarat, with similar training planned in Maharashtra before track work begins.

Progress in Gujarat

Track construction is progressing in Gujarat, particularly on over 200km of viaduct under packages T-2 and T-3. All track construction packages have been awarded to Indian firms. As of September 8, 2025, the project has seen significant advancements, including the completion of 320km of viaduct construction, 397km of pier works, and 408km of pier foundations. Furthermore, 17 river bridges, nine steel bridges, and five pre-stressed concrete bridges have been completed. Noise barriers have been installed along 203km of the stretch, and 202km of track bed construction has been finished. Approximately 1,800 overhead equipment masts have been installed, covering about 44km of the mainline viaduct.

Ongoing and Future Works

Work is underway on a 21km tunnel between BKC and Shilphata in Maharashtra, along with excavation for seven mountain tunnels in the Palghar district. Superstructure work on all stations in Gujarat is advanced, while base slab casting is in progress for the underground station in Mumbai. In 2022, NHSRCL and L&T agreed to construct a viaduct for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR C-5 Package) in Gujarat.

Conclusion

NHSRCL and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) have agreed on track and related works for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad HSR project in Maharashtra. The project is utilizing a ballast-less slab track system and is supported by training programs with Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS). Significant progress has been made in Gujarat, with ongoing work in Maharashtra.

Company Summary

Larsen & Toubro (L&T): A company involved in the design, supply, and construction of track and related works for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad HSR project.

National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL): The entity responsible for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project.

Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS): A partner of NHSRCL, involved in training and certification programs for the HSR project.

Technology

HSR: High-Speed Rail, the type of rail project.

MAHSR C-5 Package: Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor Package.

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