A serious accident occurred during the construction work on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor near Vatva, when a massive segmental launching gantry slipped and collapsed onto the track. This led to significant disruption in train operations on the route.
Accident Details: Gantry Falls During Dismantling Process
The incident took place around 11 PM on Sunday night, while workers were in the process of removing a heavy gantry used for placing concrete girders during the construction of the high-speed rail corridor. The gantry, which is generally used in bridge construction, suddenly slipped and fell directly onto the railway track.
Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or fatalities, but the incident caused extensive damage to the railway line, severely impacting train movement.
Impact on Train Services: Over 25 Trains Affected
The accident has led to a major disruption in train schedules, especially in the Gheratpur-Vatva section:
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At least 25 trains have been cancelled
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More than two dozen trains have been diverted
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Several trains have rescheduled timings
Notable Train Cancellations:
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12931 Mumbai-Ahmedabad Double Decker Express – Cancelled
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19033 Gujarat Queen – Cancelled
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22953 Gujarat Express – Cancelled
Train Rescheduling:
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12833 Ahmedabad-Howrah Express – Rescheduled
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19483 Ahmedabad-Barauni Express – Rescheduled
Railway Authorities Respond Swiftly
Following the accident, teams from the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) and an Accidental Relief Train (ART) arrived at the site promptly to begin repair and recovery operations.
According to Western Railway officials, the downline train services were most affected, and urgent repair work on the damaged track began immediately after midnight. A single line was operational by the early hours of Monday.
Extent of Damage
While the track suffered considerable damage, initial reports confirm that the viaduct remained intact. This helped in limiting the extent of structural risk and expedited the repair process.
High-Speed Rail Corridor Progress Delayed
This accident is a major setback for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, which is India’s first high-speed rail initiative. Though no human lives were lost, the incident raises concerns about workplace safety, equipment handling, and quality control during large-scale infrastructure development.
Next Steps and Safety Measures
Officials from NHSRCL have initiated an internal investigation into the cause of the accident. Emphasis is being placed on:
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Ensuring better safety protocols
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Strengthening gantry operations
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Implementing stricter supervision during high-risk dismantling activities
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
