In A First In India, Seismometers For ‘Early Earthquake Detection System’ In Bullet Train Project

For the first time in India, seismometers will installed for the Bullet Train project to ensure the safety of passengers and critical infrastructure during earthquakes.

The foundation stone for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor was laid in Ahmedabad in September 2017. The bullet train will operate at a speed of 320 Km/hr covering a distance of 508 Km in 2 hours and 7 minutes.

How Will Seismometers Work?

As per National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), this Early Earthquake Detection System, based on Japanese Shinkansen technology, will detect earthquake-induced tremors through primary waves and enable an automatic power shutdown.

Emergency brakes will be activated when the power shutdown is detected and the trains running in the affected area shall stop.

Where Will Seismometers Be Installed?

Out of the 28 seismometers, 22 will be installed along the alignment. Eight will be in Maharashtra—Mumbai, Thane, Virar, and Boisar—and fourteen will be in Gujarat—Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Mahembadad, and Ahmedabad. Seismometers will be installed in Traction Sub-Stations and Switching Posts along the alignment.

The remaining six seismometers (termed as inland seismometers) will be installed in earthquake-prone areas—Khed, Ratnagiri, Latur, and Pangri in Maharashtra, and Adesar and Old Bhuj in Gujarat.

The areas near the MAHSR alignment, where earthquakes greater than 5.5 magnitudes have occurred in the past 100 years, were surveyed by Japanese experts. After a detailed survey and soil suitability study through a micro tremor test, the above sites were selected.