Mumbai (Maharashtra), May 3 (ANI): The construction of India’s first high-speed rail station at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai, continues to make significant progress, with nearly 76 percent of the excavation work completed. The BKC station is the only underground station on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Corridor.
According to an official release, approximately 14.2 lakh cubic metres of earth have been excavated out of the total 18.7 lakh cubic metres required. The excavation is being carried out to a depth of nearly 32 metres (approximately 100 feet), equivalent to a 10-storey building, to accommodate a three-level station that includes a platform level, a concourse, and a service floor.
The platform itself is planned at a depth of about 26 metres below ground level and will feature six platforms, each about 415 metres long—sufficient to accommodate 16-coach bullet trains. The station will offer seamless connectivity to other modes of transport, including the nearby Metro Line 2B and major roadways. Two entry and exit points are being constructed—one toward the MTNL building and another connecting directly to the metro station.
To support the massive construction efforts, three batching plants with a capacity of 120 cubic metres per hour are operational at the site. These are equipped with an ice plant and chiller system to produce temperature-controlled M-60 grade concrete. Each base slab casting requires 3,000 to 4,000 cubic metres of this specialized concrete, which is produced on-site.
Additionally, a modern concrete laboratory has been established on location, equipped to conduct advanced testing such as Water Permeability Tests and Rapid Chloride Penetration Tests. Concrete samples are regularly tested both on-site and in reputed external laboratories to ensure structural integrity.
The station’s design incorporates ample space for passenger movement and amenities. A dedicated skylight provision has also been included to allow natural lighting into the underground station.
On April 22, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw showcased the progress through a social media post, writing on X: “Mumbai’s Bullet Train Station is taking shape 100 feet below ground!”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently affirmed that the bullet train project is expected to be completed by the end of 2028. He noted that previous delays were caused by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government’s decision to halt the project. “The works for the bullet train could be completed by the end of 2028, as they are now progressing rapidly. The delay of two and a half years was due to the earlier MVA government’s stance. With the current administration, we have resumed the project and are committed to meeting the revised timeline,” Fadnavis stated.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor is a flagship infrastructure initiative aiming to revolutionize rail travel in India, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing passenger experience with cutting-edge technology and modern amenities.
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