What is Bharat's 'Ballastless track' on which Bullet trains will run?

What Exactly It Is?

A ballastless train isnt actually a train itself, but rather the type of track it runs on. A ballastless track, also called a slab track, is a railway track design that does away with the traditional bed of crushed rocks (ballast) that supports the sleepers (ties) and rails.

India’s First

The nation is already working on its first ballastless track system for the bullet train project connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Ballastless Track

As compared to ballast system, ballastless tracks use a solid foundation, typically made of concrete, to support the rails. This concrete base can be pre-fabricated slabs or poured directly on site.

Technology

As per National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. (NHSRCL), this slab sits on top of the RC track bed, which is about 300mm thick and is built directly at the site for each separate Up and Down track line on the viaduct. To make sure it stays stable, the RC track bed is 2420 mm wide.

Higher Speed

The rigidity of the ballastless track allows for higher train speeds and improved passenger comfort with speed upto 320 kmph.

Reduced Noise And Vibration

The solid foundation of a ballastless track dampens vibrations and reduces noise generation, making them ideal for urban environments.

Lower Maintenance

Ballast requires regular tamping and replacement to maintain track level and alignment. Ballastless tracks are more stable and require less maintenance.

Improved Safety

The elimination of loose ballast reduces the risk of accidents caused by track defects.

Estimated Cost

The estimated cost of the project is 1.08 lakh crores. Centre will fund Rs 10,000 crores, while Gujarat and Maharashtra will contribute Rs 5,000 crores each. The remaining will be taken through a loan from Japan, with an incredibly low-interest rate of just 0.1 percent.