AHMEDABAD: A segmental launching gantry used for construction at a bullet train project site near Ahmedabad inadvertently slipped from its designated position and impacted the adjacent railway track, disrupting the movement of numerous trains, officials stated on Monday.
The incident, which occurred around 11 pm on Sunday at Vatva near here, resulted in no casualties or structural damage to the erected framework, the National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) confirmed.
The rail traffic disruption resulted in the cancellation of 25 trains, partial cancellation of 15 trains, rescheduling of five trains and diversion of six trains, according to an Ahmedabad railway division official.
Railway officials confirmed that work was in progress to clear the affected railway line to enable train movement.
A representative from NHSRCL stated that restoration work was ongoing with assistance from heavy duty road cranes.
A railway official confirmed that numerous trains were affected, with some being completely or partially terminated, whilst others underwent rescheduling.
“On 23/03/2025, around 11 PM, one of the Segmental Launching gantry used for viaduct construction in Vatva (near Ahmedabad) was retracting after completing launching of concrete girder. It accidentally skid from its position,” the NHSRCL said in a statement.
“This has affected the adjoining railway line in the vicinity. Senior NHSRCL officials are already at site along with police and fire services officials monitoring the situation. No casualties have been reported. There has been no damage to the structure erected,” it said.
The rail traffic on the down line between Vatva and Ahmedabad stations was disrupted due to the incident, according to a railway division official from Ahmedabad.
The disruption led to the cancellation of 25 trains, whilst 15 were partially cancelled. Additionally, five trains were rescheduled and six were diverted, the official confirmed.
Several major trains were affected, including Vatva-Borivali Express, Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central Express, Vadodara-Vatva Intercity, Ahmedabad-Valsad Gujarat Queen, Jamnagar-Vadodara Intercity, Vadnagar-Valsad-Vadnagar Express and Vatva-Anand MEMU.
Among the rescheduled services were the Ahmedabad-MGR Chennai Central Humsafar Express and Rajkot-Secunderabad Express, alongside other trains.
To assist affected passengers, the railway authorities established a dedicated helpline number.