Two dead, 2 injured after construction portion collapses at Bullet train site near Vadodara

Rescue operations at the spot. Pic/PTI

At least two people were killed and two others were injured after a construction portion on Tuesday collapsed at Bullet train construction site near Vadodara in Gujarat, officials said.

They said that three laborers were trapped under heavy concrete blocks at the Mahi River construction site, part of the ongoing bullet train project near Gujarat's Vadodara.

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The laborers working at the site were caught in the debris after a portion of the construction collapsed unexpectedly.

A massive rescue operation was launched to extract the trapped workers from the debris and multiple rescue teams utilised cranes and excavators to carefully remove the heavy concrete blocks and reach the trapped labourers.

Two people were killed and two other sustained injuries in the incident. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, sources said.

"This evening, while sinking in one of the wells at Mahi river in Anand District, concrete blocks felled in which 4 labours got trapped. Immediately rescue operations were undertaken by mobilising cranes and excavators available at site. Help was provided by locals, state administration, police department & NDRF. All 4 workmen have been taken out. One workmen is under treatment and unfortunately, three were declared dead. Ex-gratia payment of 20 lakhs each to the deceased family is being given through online transfer," a NHSRCL spokesperson said.

"The Mahi bridge under construction has 12 nos of well foundation and 60 mtr. Span totalling to 720 mtr. The bridge is located in Anand district. Total sinking involved is 610 mtr, out of which 582 mtr is complete. At present, balance sinking 28 mtr in three wells is in progress. On Well No. P13 against sinking of 60 mtr, 53 mtr completed. Concrete blocks were loaded on frame for sinking which was supported by HT strands. As per the design, against 4 nos of strands, 16 nos of strands were provided. However, due to snapping of strands, blocks felled down and four workmen got trapped," she said.

"A detailed technical inquiry is being undertaken to ascertain the cause of the incidence," she added.

The Mahi River project is part of India's ambitious bullet train network, which aims to revolutionise high-speed rail travel in the country.

Once operational, the bullet train will significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to approximately two hours, a significant decrease from the current six-hour journey by conventional rail with a top speed of 320 km/h.

In collaboration with Japan, this ambitious project is poised to revolutionise India's rail infrastructure, enhancing regional connectivity and fostering economic growth and job creation in the western states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.