BIM Delivery at MAHSR C3

Project Overview

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) Civil Package C3, executed by L&T Construction in association with TCAP (PMC Civil), and NHSRCL (Client), represents one of India’s most technologically advanced infrastructure projects. Spanning 124 km of Viaduct and Bridges, 6.06 km of NATM Tunnels, 18 Switching Stations, 3 Stations and multiple critical structures, the project demands a rigorous and intelligent digital delivery framework.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been strategically embedded at every layer of this framework from design coordination and 4D scheduling to real-time progress monitoring through interactive dashboards.

Authored by
Sangeeth Kumar P
Sr. BIM Manager
Authored by
Nitesh Devrao Chavhan
BIM Coordinator

Power BI Project Overview Dashboard: S-Curve, Milestone Tracker & Progress Metrics

Problem Description

MAHSR C3 is a Linear Mega Project stretching over 135.45 kms where elevated viaduct comprehends upto 125 km., of which we have 12 mainline steel truss bridges, 25 ramps, 8 SMDs, 6 mountain tunnels and 25 earth structures, 3 stations (Thane, Virar, Boisar) and various auxiliary works.

  • Lack of Integrated Digital Workflow & Collaboration: The project involved multiple stakeholders and disciplines working in silos without a unified platform, leading to data fragmentation, version control issues, and inefficient coordination.
  • Limited Visualization & Coordination Challenges: Dependence on 2D drawings and basic 3D models restricted effective visualization of construction sequencing, resulting in coordination issues, clashes, rework, and delays.
  • Absence of Real-Time Monitoring & Decision Support: Project progress tracking relied on manual reporting, making it difficult for management to access real-time insights, identify risks, and take timely decisions.
  • Lack of Cost Integration & Process Automation: Quantity take-offs and cost estimation were not linked with models, and reliance on manual workflows reduced efficiency, increased errors, and impacted overall project performance.
  • MAHSR C3 Alignment Drawing

Approach, Methodology and Tools Used

To bridge the understanding gap and improve design communication, the EDRC BIM team adopted the following tools and methods:

  • 3D Modelling: Detailed models of HSR C3 project developed using Autodesk Revit
  • Revit 3D Model

  • Visualization: Detailed Section Views in 3D using Revit
  • Revit 3D Section View

  • Augmented Reality (AR): Used Trimble Connect on tablets and phones for on-site overlay
  • Augmented Reality View (Integrated Alignment in GIS)

  • Mixed Reality (MR): Implemented using Microsoft HoloLens 2, enabling immersive visualization at the actual site
  • MR Demo using HoloLens 2

  • Rebar modeling in Revit: Improving constructability, accuracy in quantity take-offs and reducing ambiguity during execution.
  • Rebar 3D Modeling

  • Casting Yard 3D Modeling: Developed a comprehensive 3D model of the casting yard, including equipment, logistics flow and layout planning to optimize production and resource utilization.
  • Overview of Casting Yard

  • Dynamo Automation & Digital Workflows: Developed Dynamo scripts for automation of tunnel and viaduct modeling, rebar placement, quantity extraction, and repetitive tasks, improving efficiency, reducing errors, and saving time.
  • Automation Scripting

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

Multi-Stakeholder Engagement:

Actively collaborated with internal teams including design, planning and site execution teams, along with external stakeholders such as client representatives (NHSRCL), consultants, and technology partners (Autodesk/Bentley) to align project objectives and implement digital workflows including BIM, Digital Twin and automation strategies.

Stakeholder Integration Map

Understanding Site Challenges:

Conducted regular discussions and coordination meetings with site engineers and execution teams to identify real-time challenges such as constructability issues, sequencing constraints, and design gaps, and explored how BIM, AR/MR and Digital Twin concepts can address these challenges effectively.

Site Layout

Client Collaboration & Feedback Integration:

Engaged closely with NHSRCL and consultant teams through 3D visualizations, walkthroughs, 4D Dashboards and Augmented Reality (AR) / Mixed Reality (MR) demonstrations to resolve concerns, improve design clarity and align with project expectations.

4D Demonstration

“The MAHSR C3 project has demonstrated how BIM can transform project delivery when implemented beyond conventional modeling. The team successfully integrated 3D, 4D, 5D, Automation and Digital Collaboration workflows, creating a strong foundation for efficient execution, better coordination and improved stakeholder confidence across the project lifecycle.

Senthil Kumar Ganapathy

Vice President & Head – EDRC (HCI IC)

Technology Partner Collaboration:

Collaborated with Autodesk and other digital solution providers through discovery sessions and workshops to develop POC-based solutions, integrating Digital Twin concepts, automation workflows and cloud-based collaboration strategies.

Technology Partners

Collaborative Platforms & Mechanisms:

Utilized Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) as a Common Data Environment for real-time model sharing, issue tracking, document management, and integration of digital workflows including automation and Digital Twin data frameworks.

Design Collaboration Methodology

Continuous Engagement & Knowledge Sharing:

Conducted training sessions, workshops, and review meetings to enable stakeholders to effectively use BIM, AR/MR tools, automation workflows and digital collaboration platforms.

“Working on the MAHSR C3 project has provided valuable experience in applying BIM across multiple disciplines. The project helped us understand how coordinated modeling, 4D planning and digital tools can improve project execution while creating a more collaborative and efficient working environment.”

Aravinthan. K

BIM Engineer (HCI IC)

Review Meetings using AR/MR

Horizontal Deployment to other Projects

  • Replicable BIM Framework Across Projects: The integrated 3D–5D BIM workflow, Digital Twin approach and ACC-based CDE implementation developed for MAHSR C3 has already been extended to projects such as Orange Gate Tunnel, Agra Metro, Patna Metro and CMRL, demonstrating its adaptability across diverse infrastructure projects.
  • Digital Twin & Dashboard Scalability: The Digital Twin concept and live project dashboards initiated in MAHSR C3 are being explored and partially implemented in Orange Gate and CMRL projects, enabling real-time monitoring and improved decision-making.
  • Cross-BU Adoption: The implemented methodologies have been applied across multiple business units including metros, tunnels and infrastructure projects, ensuring standardized digital practices across tunnel projects like Orange Gate and planning for upcoming BSMILE project.
  • Standardization of BIM Processes: BIM standards, templates, naming conventions, and workflows developed have been successfully adopted in CMRL, Mumbai Haji Ali Car parking, LIGO and GHAVP improving consistency and reducing coordination issues.
  • Automation Reusability Across Projects: Dynamo scripts and automation workflows developed for rebar modeling, data extraction, and modeling efficiency have been reused in Orange Gate Tunnel, Patna Metro, and other metro projects, significantly improving productivity.
  • AR/MR & Visualization Deployment: Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) implementations initiated in Orange Gate Tunnel have been extended to other projects like CMRL and metro stations, enhancing stakeholder engagement and site validation.
  • CDE (ACC) Implementation Across Projects: The Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) framework has been implemented across all the Heavy Civil Infrastructure projects, enabling centralized collaboration, better data management and real-time coordination.
  • Scalable and Future-Ready Approach: The solutions are built on scalable platforms like Revit, Navisworks, ACC, and visualization tools, enabling easy deployment across new projects with minimal additional effort and supporting the organization’s digital transformation roadmap.

“The BIM implementation in MAHSR C3 has set a benchmark for digital delivery in our Metro projects. The use of BIM for Design coordination, construction sequencing, and management dashboards has significantly improved planning visibility and established a scalable digital approach for future infrastructure projects.”

Sadasivam V

GM & Head – Engineering (UT SBG)

4D Plan vs. Actual — Visualising Construction Progress

A cornerstone of the BIM strategy on C3 is the deployment of interactive 4D Plan vs. Actual dashboards, developed in Power BI and integrated with BIM models across all major structure types.

These dashboards enable stakeholders to compare planned and actual construction status in real time, using a clear colour-coded system: Green (Completed), Yellow (In Progress), and Red (Planned but Not Started).

Also, feature by filters such as by Section, Milestone Stretch, Tunnel Number, Station, GAD Number, and Sub-Structure, the dashboards provide granular insight across Viaducts & Bridges, GAD Steel Bridges, NATM Tunnels, Stations, SMD & Ramps, Approach Lines, and Earth Structures.

4D Plan vs. Actual: Viaduct & Bridges — Pier, Pier Cap & Superstructure status

4D Plan vs. Actual: GAD Steel Bridge — truss structure progress mapped to BIM model

4D Plan vs. Actual: NATM Tunnel segment-wise excavation & lining progress

4D Plan vs. Actual: Station grid-wise structural progress visualisation

“The MAHSR C3 team has effectively utilized BIM as a project management tool rather than just a modeling platform. The integration of Visualization, Quantity Tracking and Real-time progress monitoring has enhanced decision-making and improved coordination between Engineering, Planning and Execution teams.”

Senthilkumar V

JGM – Engineering (METROS)

Revit Models & Primavera P6 Integration using Bexel Manager

A critical enabler of the 4D BIM workflow on MAHSR C3 is the seamless integration between Autodesk Revit models and Primavera P6 schedules, facilitated through Bexel Manager. Structural BIM models authored in Revit are imported into Bexel Manager, where individual model elements are mapped directly to their corresponding Primavera P6 schedule activities using unique Simulation IDs. This linkage creates a live, data-rich 4D environment in which every element from Pile, Pile caps/Foundation and pier to superstructure spans and tunnel linings carries schedule intelligence including Baseline Start, Baseline Finish, and current construction status. As the P6 schedule is updated, the BIM model reflects the latest progress automatically, enabling real-time Plan vs. Actual visualisation across all structure types. This integration has eliminated manual data reconciliation, reduced reporting effort significantly, and provided both the client and internal teams with a single, authoritative source of project truth bridging the gap between the design office and the construction site with unprecedented clarity.

Revit 3D Model Extract

Primavera P6 schedule extract

Pier ID-Wise Internal Progress Dashboard

For internal project management, a Pier ID-Wise Progress Monitoring Dashboard has been developed within the Bexel CDE (Common Data Environment) platform. This dashboard allows BIM coordinators and site engineers to select any individual Pier ID such as 29P26 and instantly retrieve a detailed breakdown of structure level activities including Pile Cap, Pier, Pier Cap, and Span Erection, along with their Baseline Start & Finish Dates, actual completion status, and in-progress elements. Colour-coded 3D model views (Green = Completed, Red = Not Started) are synchronised with the tabular data, enabling rapid identification of schedule deviations and facilitating informed decision-making at the pier level. This capability has significantly reduced rework, improved resource planning, and enhanced cross-team accountability.

Pier ID-Wise Internal Dashboard Structure Level Progress with 3D Model Sync

MAHSR C3 is a highly complex infrastructure project involving diverse structural systems ranging from different type of foundations and girders with complex erection methods to large steel structures, multi-level stations, earthworks, and NATM tunnels each carrying unique sequencing and interface risks.

As part of the 4D BIM implementation the team, has integrated 3D models with the L4 schedule and live execution data to enable real-time planned vs. actual visualization. This 4D BIM approach converts structural complexity into predictable, controlled delivery, supporting proactive risk mitigation and aligning with the company’s digital transformation objectives.

Irshad Khan

Joint General Manager (Civil), EDRC

Project Recognition

BIM has fundamentally transformed how we monitor and deliver the MAHSR C3 project. Advanced delay analysis in Bexel Manager gives leadership precise, data-driven visibility into schedule deviations and their root causes critical when delivering infrastructure of this national significance.

The 4D BIM capability allows us to benchmark actual progress against planned milestones with a clarity that traditional reporting simply cannot match. The BIM 4D dashboard consolidates multi-disciplinary data into a single platform, strengthening our lookahead planning, enabling faster decision-making, and allowing our teams to address risks before they escalate.

The outcome is measurable improved project efficiency, optimized resource allocation, and a significant reduction in delays. This reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor to the highest standards.

Raj Kumar K

Joint General Manager (Civil), Technical Services

The implementation of BIM 4D at C3 presented significant challenges due to the need for seamless integration of automated inputs from Primavera, Bexel Manager, and Power BI. As stipulated in the contract, the client was required to validate the dashboard, which involved extensive discussions and multiple iterations to align with expectations.

Despite these complexities, the project team successfully delivered a fully compliant solution that met all contractual requirements. The final dashboard was highly appreciated by the client, reflecting both the technical rigor and collaborative effort invested in the process. This recognition underscores the value of the team’s dedication and the effectiveness of the integration approach

Arun N

Senior Manager, ISD

Synthesis

The MAHSR C3 project stands as a benchmark for BIM-enabled infrastructure delivery in India. Through client-facing Power BI dashboards and granular Pier ID-Wise internal monitoring tools, the BIM team has transformed raw model data into actionable intelligence fostering transparency, accelerating decision making, and driving on site efficiency. As the project progresses toward completion, these digital initiatives will continue to evolve, setting a new standard for high-speed rail construction in the country.

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