Vinod Bhat
New Delhi, Aug 29: Indian Railways is adopting advanced construction techniques, including factory-made precast reinforced cement concrete (RCC) technology and hydraulic pushing methods, to accelerate subway construction while improving safety, durability and passenger convenience.
Recent construction milestones in Ahmedabad and Bhiwandi have highlighted the use of these modern methods in railway infrastructure projects.
In Ahmedabad, the Western Railway Construction Unit successfully launched a pedestrian subway using factory-made precast RCC boxes. The subway has a barrel length of 21 metres and comprises 14 precast segments.
The structure was completed in less than eight hours during a night block using the cut-and-cover construction method, reducing disruption to railway operations.
The subway has also incorporated several advanced engineering and waterproofing features, including post-tensioning of the RCC boxes, swelling gaskets, dimple boards and SBS membrane waterproofing.
Railways said the project marks a step towards improving efficiency, safety and sustainability in the construction of railway infrastructure.
Another significant milestone was achieved in Bhiwandi, where the first waterproof pedestrian subway was commissioned beneath seven live railway lines on the Panvel–Vasai section.
The subway was constructed using hydraulic pushing technology and consists of four large precast RCC segments. Multiple layers of sealing and protective waterproofing membranes have been incorporated to improve the structure’s durability.
The subway has been designed to withstand heavy freight traffic, including loads associated with Dedicated Freight Corridor standards.
The facility is expected to provide pedestrians and two-wheelers with a safer, all-weather alternative for crossing the railway tracks. Covered approaches, lighting, ventilation and drainage facilities have also been provided as part of the project.
The use of precast construction and hydraulic pushing techniques allows major structural components to be manufactured and prepared in advance, potentially reducing construction time and limiting disruption to railway operations.
The projects reflect Indian Railways’ wider push towards modern construction technologies aimed at creating durable, safer and commuter-friendly infrastructure.
Under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Railways is increasingly incorporating technology-driven construction methods as part of efforts to modernise the country’s railway network and make infrastructure more efficient, sustainable and citizen-centric.
