Train Services Disrupted Following Gantry Collapse at Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Site
Train services were severely affected after a segmental launching gantry collapsed at the construction site of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (HSR) corridor near Vatva in Ahmedabad. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on March 23, 2025, halting progress at one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Impact on Train Operations
The collapse disrupted adjacent operational railway lines, leading to a significant shake-up in passenger train schedules:
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38 long-distance trains were fully canceled due to track blockages and safety concerns.
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27 trains, including major services such as the Mumbai-Gandhinagar Vande Bharat Express and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express, faced partial cancellations.
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Several other trains had to be rescheduled or diverted to alternate routes, causing delays and inconvenience for passengers.
Railway authorities issued immediate notifications and set up help desks at key stations to guide travelers and provide necessary support.
Restoration Efforts Underway
Restoration work began swiftly following the incident. Heavy machinery, including cranes and cutting tools, was brought in to remove the collapsed gantry components and restore the integrity of the tracks. The priority remains to reopen the affected section as quickly and safely as possible. Meanwhile, refreshments were arranged for stranded passengers, and emergency helpline numbers were activated to manage queries and grievances.
Investigation into the Collapse
Initial assessments suggest that the nearly 500-tonne gantry may have skidded during a retraction movement after launching a concrete girder. Investigators are examining potential causes, including technical malfunction or human error. A detailed inquiry has been launched to ensure accountability and to prevent similar incidents in future phases of the project.
The collapse is a setback to the high-profile bullet train project, which aims to revolutionize high-speed rail travel in India. However, with a quick response and an investigation underway, authorities are focused on minimizing the disruption and getting both the project and passenger services back on track.
