Bullet Train Project Accident: Ahmedabad-Mumbai Train Route Restored After 30-Hour Disruption

Late Sunday night, a major disruption hit train services between Vatva and Ahmedabad when a segmental launching gantry operated by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) collapsed in the Geratpur-Vatva section. The incident, which took place around 10:10 pm on the down line, threw Western Railway operations into disarray.

The collapse impacted 51 trains across the network. Twenty-five trains, including the Karnavati Express and Double Decker Express, were completely cancelled, leaving hundreds of passengers scrambling for alternatives. Fifteen others, such as the Shatabdi Express, Vande Bharat Express, and Shanti Express, faced partial cancellations, while five trains were rescheduled and six were rerouted.

Passengers at key stations like Ahmedabad and Sabarmati expressed frustration as abrupt cancellations and diversions sparked confusion. Many were forced to seek last-minute travel solutions.

Western Railway stepped in to support those affected, distributing refreshments to stranded travelers. “Snacks and water bottles were provided at Bardoli and Valsad stations, while tea, poha, and biscuits were given to passengers of the 20936 Indore-Gandhidham Express at Nadiad,” a railway official reported.

To assist passengers, railway authorities activated helpline numbers for Ahmedabad, Sabarmati, Viramgam, Mehsana, Gandhidham, and Palanpur. Help desks were also established at major stations across the Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Mumbai Central divisions.

Efforts to restore normalcy are ongoing. “We’re working to clear the affected section and get services back on track on the down line as quickly as possible,” an official stated.

What Triggered the Incident?

The collapse occurred on March 23 at approximately 10:10 pm, when a segmental launching gantry—used for viaduct construction in Vatva under the Ahmedabad division—slipped from its position during retraction after a girder launch, according to a railway official.

Senior officials from the Railways, NHSRCL, police, and fire services quickly arrived at the scene. No casualties were reported, and the official confirmed that the existing structures sustained no damage. Heavy-duty road cranes have been mobilized to aid in the restoration process.