Ahmedabad's Sabarmati bullet train station site faces fire incident

A fire broke out at the under-construction Sabarmati bullet train station in Ahmedabad on Saturday morning, causing a temporary disruption but thankfully resulting in no casualties. Investigations suggest welding sparks may have been the cause.

Quick Response Averts Major Incident

The fire, which started around 6:30 a.m., prompted a swift response from the fire department, which dispatched thirteen fire tenders to the scene. The blaze was quickly brought under control, preventing significant damage to the site.

Possible Cause: Welding Sparks

According to the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), initial investigations indicate that welding sparks during temporary shuttering work may have ignited the fire. However, the precise cause is still under investigation.

Sabarmati Station: A Key Bullet Train Terminal

The Sabarmati station is a crucial part of the 508-km bullet train corridor connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad and is designed with state-of-the-art elements12. The project is being carried out with financial and technical support from the Japanese government1. The high-speed rail corridor will span across Gujarat (352 km) and Maharashtra (156 km), featuring 12 stations2.

Project Details and Modern Architecture

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video showcasing the station's modern architecture on X in December 20231. The Sabarmati station is intended to be India's first bullet train terminal. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor includes 12 stations: Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand/Nadiad, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati