Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Boosts Quake Detection with 28 Seismometers

In Bharat for the first time, 28 seismometers will be deployed for the 'Early Earthquake Detection System' as part of the Bullet Train project (Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor). This initiative aims to enhance passenger safety and protect critical infrastructure in the event of earthquakes. "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", said an official of the National High-Speed Rail Corporation.

As per the National High-Speed Rail Corporation, 22 of the 28 seismometers will be positioned along the alignment. Among these, eight will be located in Maharashtra, specifically in Mumbai, Thane, Virar, and Boisar, while the remaining fourteen will be situated in Gujarat, covering Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Mahembadad, and Ahmedabad. The installation of seismometers will take place in Traction Substations 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 microtremor test, the above sites were selected", said an official.

“Enhancing safety on the Bullet Train corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, 28 seismometers, inspired by Japanese Shinkansen technology, will stand guard against earthquakes. This Early Earthquake Detection System, strategically placed along the alignment and in earthquake-prone areas, will ensure swift response by initiating automatic power shutdown and activating emergency brakes. These seismometers showcase innovation and represent proactive steps to safeguard passengers and protect critical infrastructure", said a senior official.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor is set to facilitate high-speed trains reaching an impressive speed of 320 km/hr. These trains will cover a distance of 508 km, making stops at 12 stations. The journey, featuring limited stops at Surat, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad, is projected to take around 2 hours and 7 minutes. For passengers choosing all stops, the travel time is extended to 2 hours and 58 minutes. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation is targeting the commencement of bullet train operations between Surat and Bilimora in 2026 for a trial period, underscoring India's dedication to state-of-the-art infrastructure development. This ambitious project is set to revolutionize travel and serve as a testament to India's ongoing modernization initiatives.