The Sabarmati Highspeed Rail Terminal in Ahmedabad represents a significant milestone in India’s transportation evolution, combining cutting-edge architecture with functional design to position it as a modern transportation hub. Designed by the architectural firm Design Workshop and led by the visionary leadership of the National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRC), the project required a material that could address safety, aesthetics, and sustainability while withstanding the challenges of an urban public environment.
The terminal, being a large-scale public infrastructure project, required materials that adhered to high safety standards, with fire-retardant properties essential for compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, the climate in Ahmedabad, known for its extreme heat, cold winters, and monsoon rains, demanded a robust facade that could endure these conditions. The design needed to reflect the modern, dynamic identity of the city while offering vibrant, fade-resistant colors. Furthermore, tight deadlines called for materials that could be efficiently fabricated and installed without compromising on quality.
To meet these challenges, the project team selected ALUCOBOND® PLUS, a globally trusted composite material renowned for its exceptional combination of safety, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. ALUCOBOND® PLUS features a fire-retardant mineral-filled core, meeting stringent international fire-safety standards, and ensuring the terminal’s compliance with the highest safety protocols.
The material also offered unparalleled resistance to weather and corrosion, with its PVDF/FEVE coating providing remarkable durability against UV rays and industrial pollution. This long-lasting performance helps the terminal retain its vibrancy and structural integrity, making it an enduring asset to the city’s skyline.
The ease of installation was another key benefit of ALUCOBOND® PLUS, thanks to its lightweight structure and superior formability. This enabled B L Kashyap, the fabricator and installer, to meet tight project timelines while ensuring high-quality execution. In addition, ALUCOBOND® PLUS is a fully recyclable material, contributing to the terminal’s sustainable design. Its application in a rear-ventilated system enhances energy efficiency by creating a protective envelope of Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) around the building. This envelope not only reduces long-term maintenance costs but also ensures the lasting durability of the structure.
The result is a striking, high-performance facade that not only meets safety and durability requirements but also makes a bold architectural statement. Completed in 2023, the Sabarmati Highspeed Rail Terminal stands as a beacon of modern design, sustainability, and functionality. The use of ALUCOBOND® PLUS helped achieve a terminal that provides safety without compromise, enduring performance, and a visual impact that has solidified its place as an iconic landmark in Ahmedabad.
This achievement was made possible through the collaboration of NHSRC, the visionary project owner; Design Workshop, the creative minds behind the design; B L Kashyap, the expert fabricator; and ALUCOBOND® PLUS, the trusted material partner. The Sabarmati Highspeed Rail Terminal is a true reflection of how innovative materials, when applied thoughtfully, can shape the future of urban infrastructure.
About 3A Composites
3A Composites is a global leader in the production of high-quality aluminium composite sheets (ACS) under the brand name ALUCOBOND®. The company, a part of Schweiter Technologies headquartered in Steinhausen, Switzerland, is an innovator in the field. 3A Composites, previously known as Alcan Composites, is an independent division of Schweiter Technologies and employs approximately 4,400 people worldwide. In line with the Indian government’s ‘MAKE IN INDIA’ initiative, 3A Composites invested in India in 2007 to set up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility near Pune, Maharashtra, which has the capacity to produce over 4 million square meters annually. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified for quality management and ISO 14001:2015 certified for environmental management. With a corporate office in Mumbai and sales teams across India, 3A Composites continues to meet the needs of customers locally and globally.
