Tragic Collapse at Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Corridor Construction Site
In a devastating incident on Tuesday evening, three workers lost their lives after a temporary structure at a construction site on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor collapsed. The tragic event occurred near Vasad village, close to the Mahi River in Gujarat’s Anand district, around 4 p.m. The workers were involved in the well foundation work for the project when the collapse occurred.
According to officials from the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), the accident happened when a temporary steel and concrete structure, crucial for the foundation work, suddenly gave way. The collapse trapped four workers under the debris. Two workers were confirmed dead at the site, while one more succumbed to injuries at a hospital. The fourth worker, who was injured, is receiving medical treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
The workers were engaged in laying the foundation for the bullet train project, which aims to significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The foundation had reached a depth of 582 meters, with an intended depth of 610 meters when the incident occurred. NHSRCL stated that the collapse happened when high tensile strands supporting 2.5-ton concrete blocks snapped, causing the blocks to fall and crush the workers.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Upon receiving the distress call, immediate rescue operations were launched. Cranes and excavators were deployed to clear the rubble, with assistance from local residents, state administration, police, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The operation was highly challenging due to the weight and size of the debris, but rescue teams worked tirelessly to extricate the trapped workers.
The authorities have initiated an inquiry into the incident, with technical experts tasked with determining the cause of the structural failure. NHSRCL has promised full cooperation with the inquiry and has assured the families of the victims that they will receive adequate support.
Compensation and Support for the Families
In the aftermath of the tragedy, ex-gratia payments of ₹20 lakh were provided to the families of the two workers who died at the site. The payment for the third worker’s family, who passed away in the hospital, is currently being processed online. The compensation is part of the government’s efforts to support the families of workers involved in high-risk construction projects. NHSRCL has also committed to assisting with the long-term welfare of the injured worker.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Progress
Despite this tragic setback, officials highlighted that work on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor is progressing steadily. Earlier this week, NHSRCL reported the completion of nine river bridges between Vapi and Surat, marking a significant milestone for the 508-kilometer corridor. In total, 12 out of 20 river bridges have now been completed in Gujarat, a key part of the project’s infrastructural foundation.
The bullet train project is a major infrastructure initiative aimed at revolutionizing transportation in India. The route will cover 352 kilometers in Gujarat and 156 kilometers in Maharashtra, with 12 stations planned along the way, including major cities such as Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad. The project is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad from around 7 hours to just 2 hours.
Safety Concerns and Future Measures
While the completion of the bullet train corridor promises to enhance connectivity and boost economic growth, the incident has raised concerns about the safety of workers at such large-scale projects. Following the collapse, experts are calling for a thorough review of safety protocols and engineering practices to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The NHSRCL has assured that the findings of the technical inquiry will help improve the safety standards for ongoing and future projects. Local authorities have also pledged to ensure that strict safety measures are implemented across all construction sites to safeguard the lives of workers.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by workers on major infrastructure projects, especially those involving complex and challenging engineering tasks. The authorities’ prompt response and ongoing efforts to improve safety standards will be crucial in preventing future accidents and ensuring the welfare of workers involved in such high-stakes projects.