The Mumbai Ahmedabad Bullet Train alignment crosses/meanders Vishwamitri river at 9 locations in and around Vadodara. Typical width of the stream varies from 50 to 80 meters.
The river is special in terms of meandering characteristics along the path of stream. While the actual waterway varies from 10-20 m during summer months, the river swells to more than 100 m at few locations during monsoon due to low height of banks on either side of the main stream.
The Bullet Train pier design is circular in shape in the length of Vishwamitri river for approx. 1.7 km (46 piers) to allow unrestricted flow even when river swells to encompass Bullet Train piers. The diameter of these piers varies from 4-5 m and no hydrological obstruction is caused by any of the constructed piers.
To ensure smooth flow in the Vishwamitri River, all debris and construction materials from in and around the river has been completely removed to prevent any blockage. To enhance preparedness and ensure effective response, dedicated awareness and training sessions have been conducted for site engineers, supervisors, and workers. Daily monitoring schedule is in place for water levels and flow rates during peak monsoon in the major rivers.
The temporary crossings/approach roads have been removed from the river waterway at all locations leaving no obstruction in the water flow in Vishwamitri river during the monsoon rains.
Considering Vadodara’s proximity to water bodies known to be crocodile habitats, a Crocodile Management and Conservation Plan has been prepared in consultation with Ecological Expert. Clear and reflective signages have been installed at site locations with emergency contact numbers. Protective wire fencing and barricading have been provided at different points to restrict crocodile entry into habitat areas.
With thorough planning, coordination with local authorities, and on-ground preparedness, the bullet train construction work in Vadodara is well-positioned to proceed seamlessly through the monsoon period.
