Bandra Kurla Bullet Train Station Excavation Nears Completion: NHSRCL
84% of digging done; the station will feature six platforms and seamless metro connectivity.
The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) announced Saturday that excavation work at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) station—the sole underground stop on the 508 km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor—has reached 84% completion, marking a critical phase in India's ambitious bullet train project. This urban hub in Mumbai's business district will serve as a key gateway for the city's commuters once operational, integrating high-speed rail with the bustling metropolitan network.
The ongoing dig extends to a depth of approximately 32.5 metres (106 feet), comparable to a 10-storey building, underscoring the engineering challenges of constructing beneath one of Asia's densest commercial zones. Officials clarified that with excavation nearly finished, attention will soon shift to erecting world-class infrastructure above ground. The station's design features three subterranean levels: a 26-metre-deep platform floor, a concourse for passenger flow, and a service level, all optimised for efficiency in a space-constrained environment.
Inspired by the Arabian Sea's crashing waves and drifting clouds, the entry structure promises an aesthetic blend of nature and modernity. Equipped with six platforms stretching 415 metres each, the facility will accommodate up to 1,500 passengers per train. Connectivity enhancements include two entry/exit points: one linking directly to Metro Line 2B for seamless transfers and another toward the MTNL building for road access. Ample concourse space ensures smooth movement, complemented by dedicated skylights for natural illumination, reducing energy demands in line with sustainable urban planning.
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The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, featuring 12 stations in total, represents India's foray into high-speed rail technology, with trains capable of 320 km/h speeds to slash the journey from seven hours to under two. Launched in 2017 with Japanese collaboration via Shinkansen expertise, the project has faced delays from land acquisition hurdles and the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing back earlier 2023 targets. The railway ministry has yet to confirm a new completion date, but BKC's progress signals momentum toward operationalisation by the late 2020s, potentially revolutionising western India's connectivity and economic landscape.
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