Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-mumbai-ahmedabad-bullet-train-high-tech-safety-systems-explained-from-earthquake-detection-to-weather-monitoring-3668873/
Publisher : The Financial Express
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train, a key project in India’s high-speed rail network, will incorporate advanced safety features designed to protect passengers and critical infrastructure. These systems, ranging from early earthquake detection to rainfall and wind speed monitoring, are aimed at ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the high-speed rail corridor.
Early Earthquake Detection System: Proactive Protection
One of the standout safety features is the Early Earthquake Detection System, which will use 28 seismometers along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor to detect tremors and activate automatic safety measures. The system, based on Japanese Shinkansen technology, will monitor primary earthquake waves, triggering an automatic power shutdown and activating emergency brakes to stop the trains in affected areas of the 28 seismometers, 22 will be installed along the rail alignment, with 8 in Maharashtra (Mumbai, Thane, Virar, and Boisar) and 14 in Gujarat (Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Mahembadad, and Ahmedabad). The remaining six inland seismometers will be placed in earthquake-prone regions such as Kheda, Ratnagiri, Latur, and Pangri in Maharashtra, and Adesar and Old Bhuj in Gujarat. These areas were selected after a detailed survey and soil suitability study conducted by Japanese experts.
Rainfall Monitoring System: Tracking Weather for Safety
To safeguard the Bullet Train from the effects of heavy rainfall, an automated Rainfall Monitoring System will be in place. This system will track real-time rainfall data through advanced rain gauges along the corridor. Each rain gauge will provide two key measurements: hourly rainfall and cumulative 24-hour rainfall. This data will be used to assess the impact of rain on natural slopes and earth structures, especially in areas vulnerable to landslides.
Six rain gauge stations will be set up in Thane and Palghar districts, focusing on areas with significant cuttings, mountain tunnel entrances, and locations prone to landslides. The rain gauges will transmit data to the Operation Control Centre (OCC), where the data will be monitored to ensure safe train operations.
Wind Speed Monitoring: Ensuring Stability During Gusty Winds
Given the coastal regions the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor will pass through, wind speed monitoring is another crucial safety feature. Anemometers, devices that measure wind speed, will be installed at 14 locations along the viaduct—9 in Gujarat and 5 in Maharashtra. These devices will monitor wind speeds, particularly in areas prone to gusty winds, such as river bridges.
The anemometers will measure wind speeds ranging from 0 to 252 km/h and provide real-time data to the OCC. If wind speeds reach between 72 km/h and 130 km/h, train speeds will be adjusted accordingly to ensure passenger safety.
These high-tech safety systems are part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train’s commitment to providing a world-class, secure travel experience. By integrating earthquake detection, weather monitoring, and real-time adjustments to wind speeds, the project is setting a new standard for safety in India’s railway infrastructure.
