(24-March- 2025 Monday on 12:56 AM) Rail traffic has been restored on the affected track near Ahmedabad after a major incident at a bullet train project site. The mishap, which occurred on Sunday night, led to significant disruptions, including the breakdown of Overhead Electric Equipment (OHE) and the accidental skid of a segmental launching gantry. However, after over 24 hours of recovery efforts, the track was cleared, and trains resumed movement early on Tuesday morning.
The incident took place near Geratpur Vatva section of Ahmedabad’s division, where workers were engaged in the National High Speed Rail Corporation’s (NHSRCL) bullet train project. Around 11 pm on Sunday, the gantry shifted from its designated position, causing severe damage to the OHE and obstructing the adjacent rail track. The disruption forced the cancellation of 38 trains, while several others, including high-profile services like the Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi Express, were partially cancelled.
Despite the significant setback, no casualties or injuries were reported from the accident, and no passengers or railway staff were harmed. The situation, however, led to a disruption of the regular train schedule, with passengers of the affected trains being provided with refreshments and water bottles at various stations. The railway authorities coordinated with local NGOs and charitable trusts to ensure the passengers’ comfort during the crisis.
A massive effort was initiated to lift the fallen gantry, a process which was completed late on Monday night with the help of three heavy-duty cranes. The NHSRCL coordinated the operation, taking utmost care to ensure the safety of the structure and avoid further damage to the rail infrastructure. Once the gantry was removed, restoration work began promptly. The track was cleared for train movement by 4.45 am on Tuesday.
The first goods train was able to pass the site at 5:36 am, followed by the first passenger train at 6:06 am, marking the return to normalcy. Senior officials from Western Railway were present at the site to oversee the restoration operations and ensure the safe resumption of services.
As a precautionary measure, a helpline was set up for affected passengers, offering assistance and real-time updates about the status of their trains. Despite the inconvenience caused, the successful recovery operation ensured that train services could be resumed with minimal delay, demonstrating the railway’s ability to respond effectively in times of crisis.
