How will Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train change tracks at high speed? NHSRCL explains

Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train track change: As India's Ministry of Railways plans to launch the high-speed Mumbai-Ahmedabad rail corridor next year, advanced technologies are being deployed to guarantee safe and seamless 320 km/h train operations. One such technology is the introduction of special movable crossings - also known as swing-nose crossings - that will enable trains to switch between tracks without harming passenger safety or comfort.

Unlike traditional fixed crossings, movable crossings shift alongside the switch rails, creating a seamless rail surface for trains to travel over. This design minimizes the impact, vibration, and wear caused by conventional fixed crossings at extreme speeds.

For passengers, this means a smoother and more comfortable ride, while also reducing wear on both the track and train components. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project is pioneering the use of turnouts equipped with movable crossings, marking a significant departure from fixed-crossing turnouts found on conventional railway lines.

Two-point machines will control the switch rails and movable crossings on the high-speed turnouts. One point machine handles the switch rails, while the other manages the movable crossing. Before a train can pass through the turnout, both components must be correctly positioned and securely locked, with the signalling system checking their alignment multiple times before granting permission.